Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Rossendale, BB4 7BJ · Lancashire · Grammar school
Check the area around this school
19th of 82 secondary schools in Lancashire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 307 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.0/10 among them, against 9.0/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 1 | 35% | 0.02 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 98.8 · 99 | 30% | 2.96 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.36 · 76 | 25% | 1.91 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 75.5 · 98 | 10% | 0.98 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Inadequate by Ofsted in June 2026. In 2024/25, 96.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 73.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.36 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.6 out of 10 among them, against 8.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Book Club, Logic Club, and Ukulele Club. Sports include Football, Basketball, and Netball. Arts and music options include the Concert Choir, Drama Club, and Jazz Band.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,087 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,260. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school plan to address the recent Inadequate rating? What specific support is available for pupils to maintain their high attainment levels? How are class sizes managed given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Overview
The inspection describes Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School as an institution where practice is "exceptional" across all evaluated areas. Leaders maintain "unapologetically high-reaching" expectations, resulting in pupils who are "self-motivated, curious and articulate" and achieve academic excellence regardless of background.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve "remarkably well across the curriculum," with attainment in national examinations "consistently and significantly above all others nationally."
- Attendance is "consistently and significantly above the national average," supported by a culture where pupils feel "comfortable, cared for and able to do well."
- The curriculum is "highly coherent and rigorous," with leaders using "high-quality research and evidence" to sequence learning so concepts connect logically.
- The school is "highly inclusive," with leaders "dismantling barriers to learning and wellbeing" so that disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND "thrive" and "buck national trends."
- Personal development is "impressive," offering a "rich tapestry of experiences" including subsidised trips, clubs, and leadership roles that build character and confidence.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 72.0 |
| 2024/25 | 73.3 |
| 2025/26 | 75.5 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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