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Local authority · North West

Schools in Bolton

  • 129State-funded schools
  • 97Primary
  • 20Secondary
  • 7Special
  • North WestRegion
Applications per placeCircle size: applications
First choice · secondary 2026
87%
3 pts above England (84%)
3,868 families applied
First choice · primary 2026
89%
3 pts below England (92%)
3,455 families applied
Applications per place · secondary
2.1
close to England median (2.2)
Median school
New Ofsted report cards
26of 129 schools
Results by area

How hard is it to get a place here?

DfE · families living in Bolton
Secondary (Year 7) · Sept 2026
87%got their first choice
3 pts above England (84%)

3,868 applicants · 3.2% offered none of the schools they named

  1. 2026 87%; England 84%
  2. 2025 83%; England 84%
  3. 2024 82%; England 83%
  4. 2023 82%; England 83%
  5. 2022 82%; England 83%
  6. 2021 80%; England 81%
  7. 2020 81%; England 82%
  8. 2019 75%; England 81%
  9. 2018 80%; England 82%
  10. 2017 82%; England 83%
  11. 2016 83%; England 84%
  12. 2015 86%; England 84%
  13. 2014 89%; England 85%
  • Bolton
  • England
Every year as a table
EntryApplicantsFirst choiceOne of first threeNone they named
Sep 20263,86887.1%96.8%3.2%
Sep 20254,01482.6%95.0%5.0%
Sep 20244,07881.8%94.7%5.3%
Sep 20234,18681.7%94.8%5.2%
Sep 20223,98882.3%95.4%4.6%
Sep 20213,87380.1%94.4%5.6%
Sep 20203,96680.8%95.5%4.5%
Sep 20193,78875.2%91.3%8.7%
Sep 20183,72179.8%94.5%5.4%
Sep 20173,57882.3%95.0%5.0%
Sep 20163,36983.3%95.6%4.4%
Sep 20153,25885.6%95.9%4.1%
Sep 20143,13588.5%97.8%2.2%
Primary (Reception) · Sept 2026
89%got their first choice
3 pts below England (92%)

3,455 applicants · 3.2% offered none of the schools they named

  1. 2026 89%; England 92%
  2. 2025 90%; England 93%
  3. 2024 87%; England 93%
  4. 2023 90%; England 92%
  5. 2022 92%; England 92%
  6. 2021 89%; England 92%
  7. 2020 88%; England 90%
  8. 2019 88%; England 91%
  9. 2018 88%; England 91%
  10. 2017 89%; England 90%
  11. 2016 86%; England 88%
  12. 2015 91%; England 88%
  13. 2014 91%; England 88%
  • Bolton
  • England
Every year as a table
EntryApplicantsFirst choiceOne of first threeNone they named
Sep 20263,45589.5%96.8%3.2%
Sep 20253,50189.7%97.6%2.4%
Sep 20243,71987.4%96.4%3.6%
Sep 20233,55790.0%97.4%2.6%
Sep 20223,43591.6%98.0%2.0%
Sep 20213,56288.7%97.6%2.4%
Sep 20203,75787.8%97.3%2.7%
Sep 20193,67288.0%96.5%3.5%
Sep 20183,71887.6%96.3%3.7%
Sep 20173,62189.3%97.1%2.9%
Sep 20163,78986.0%95.2%4.7%
Sep 20153,52790.5%97.9%2.1%
Sep 20143,56790.5%97.5%2.5%

What has Ofsted found here?

Ofsted data to 30 September 2026

Report cards 26 schools of 129 · since November 2025

  • Inclusion
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Achievement
  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Personal development and wellbeing
  • Early years (21)
  • Leadership and governance

Bar: share of schools; number of schools at each grade below.

Overall grade from Ofsted's previous framework 79 schools · graded 2011 to 2024

  • Outstanding16
  • Good61
  • Requires improvement2
  • Inadequate0

Includes grades confirmed by a later ungraded inspection. Not comparable with report cards.

Graded 2024/25, no overall grade 23 schools

Key judgementOutstandingGoodRequires improvementInadequate
Quality of education5153–
Behaviour and attitudes815––
Personal development716––
Leadership and management6152–

Not yet inspected (new or reorganised schools): 1.

Latest report cards

Every new report card, month by month · RSS for Bolton

Secondary schools in Bolton

20 schools · Year 7 entry 2026

Change the order (visual only)

Sorted by applications per place for September 2026 entry, highest first.

Sorted by Attainment 8, highest first.

Sorted by the date of the latest Ofsted inspection, newest first.

Sorted by name.

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS4 results, Ofsted.
SchoolLatest OfstedApplications per placeAttainment 8FSM
St James's Church of England High School Faith Good2022 3.7 applications per place 48.1 20%
Sharples School Improved significantly2025 3.5 applications per place 56.5 28%
Eden Boys' School, Bolton Faith Remains Outstanding2023 3.0 applications per place 57.0 34%
Essa Academy 2026 2.9 applications per place 48.9 49%
Canon Slade School Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 2.6 applications per place 54.0 16%
St Joseph's RC High School Faith Graded · no overall grade2025 2.6 applications per place 42.4 22%
King's Leadership Academy Bolton Good2023 2.5 applications per place 49.0 35%
Thornleigh Salesian College Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 2.4 applications per place 43.0 29%
Ladybridge High School Good2022 2.3 applications per place 45.8 38%
Mount St Joseph RC High School a Voluntary Academy Faith Requires improvement2023 2.2 applications per place 41.5 37%
Rivington and Blackrod High School Faith Good2023 2.1 applications per place 45.4 26%
Turton School Good2024 2.0 applications per place 44.0 23%
University Collegiate School Graded · no overall grade2024 2.0 applications per place 41.4 47%
Bolton Muslim Girls School Faith Graded · no overall grade2025 1.9 applications per place 56.5 42%
Kearsley Academy 2026 1.5 applications per place 51.1 43%
Little Lever School 2026 1.5 applications per place 45.8 30%
Smithills School 2026 1.5 applications per place 41.4 42%
Harper Green School Good2023 1.5 applications per place 42.6 45%
Westhoughton High School Requires significant improvement 2026 1.4 applications per place 40.2 23%
Bolton St Catherine's Academy Faith Graded · no overall grade2025 1.2 applications per place 36.9 53%

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS4 results, Ofsted. FSM: free school meals.

  • Exceptional
  • Strong standard
  • Expected standard
  • Needs attention
  • Urgent improvement
  • Does not apply

Eight dots, one per area: inclusion, curriculum, achievement, attendance, personal development, early years, post-16, leadership. Colours follow Ofsted's report card scale; Schoolfile is independent of Ofsted.

Primary schools in Bolton

97 schools · Reception entry 2026

Sorted by applications per place for September 2026 entry, highest first.

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS2 results, Ofsted.
SchoolLatest OfstedApplications per placeSATs standardFSM
Moorgate Primary School Remains Outstanding2023 5.0 applications per place 67% 39%
Lostock Primary School Outstanding2024 4.3 applications per place – 7%
Markland Hill Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 4.0 applications per place 77% 6%
St John the Evangelist RC Primary School, Bromley Cross, Bolton Faith Remains Good2024 3.8small intake applications per place 58% 11%
Beaumont Primary School Graded · no overall grade2025 3.7 applications per place 84% 11%
Eatock Primary School Remains Outstanding2024 3.5 applications per place 70% 19%
St Bartholomew's CofE Primary School Faith Graded · no overall grade2025 3.4 applications per place 63% 16%
The Olive Tree Primary School Bolton Faith Standards maintained2025 3.4 applications per place 75% 21%
Haslam Park Primary School Good2023 3.1 applications per place 74% 54%
The Olive School, Bolton Faith Standards maintained2025 3.1 applications per place 95% 18%
Oxford Grove Primary School Outstanding2023 3.0 applications per place 80% 60%
St Paul's CofE Primary School, Astley Bridge Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 3.0 applications per place 79% 27%
Masefield Primary School Remains Good · improving2024 2.9 applications per place 84% 20%
Walmsley CofE Primary School Faith Requires improvement2024 2.9 applications per place – 3%
The Oaks Primary School Good2023 2.8 applications per place 79% 7%
Sharples Primary School Standards maintained2025 2.7 applications per place 66% 20%
St George's CofE Primary School Faith 2026 2.7 applications per place 60% 12%
Essa Primary Academy Graded · no overall grade2024 2.6 applications per place 66% 44%
The Gates Primary School Remains Good2023 2.6 applications per place 84% 19%
Sunning Hill Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 2.6 applications per place 74% 21%
St Maxentius CofE Primary School Faith Good2023 2.6 applications per place 61% 14%
Bowness Primary School Remains Good2023 2.6 applications per place 86% 44%
St Brendan's RC Primary School, Harwood, Bolton Faith Standards maintained2024 2.5 applications per place 55% 14%
St Mary's RC Primary School Faith Standards maintained2025 2.5 applications per place 56% 15%
St Thomas CofE Primary School Faith 2026 2.5 applications per place 78% 10%
Heathfield Primary School 2026 2.4 applications per place 75% 26%
Prestolee Primary School Outstanding2024 2.4 applications per place 77% 14%
Harwood Meadows Primary School 2026 2.4 applications per place 62% 19%
St Gregory's RC Primary School, A Voluntary Academy Faith Good2024 2.4 applications per place 82% 36%
Brownlow Fold Primary School 2026 2.3 applications per place 53% 37%
St Matthew's CofE Primary School, Little Lever Faith Remains Good2023 2.3small intake applications per place 42% 20%
St Teresa's RC Primary School a Voluntary Academy Faith Good2021 2.3 applications per place – 25%
Claypool Primary School 2026 2.3 applications per place 34% 12%
Blackrod Anglican/Methodist Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 2.3 applications per place 56% 17%
Bishop Bridgeman CofE Primary School Faith Good2022 2.2 applications per place 61% 28%
Chorley New Road Primary Academy Remains Good2023 2.2 applications per place 60% 26%
St Joseph's RC Primary School, Halliwell, Bolton Faith Standards maintained2024 2.2 applications per place 61% 37%
St William of York Roman Catholic Primary School Faith Graded · no overall grade2025 2.2 applications per place 84% 33%
St Catherine's CofE Primary School Faith 2026 2.2 applications per place 62% 19%
St James CofE Primary School, Farnworth Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 2.2 applications per place 67% 43%
Queensbridge Primary School Good2023 2.1 applications per place 58% 39%
Castle Hill Primary School Good2023 2.1 applications per place 67% 50%
St Saviour CofE Primary School, Ringley Faith Good2024 2.1 applications per place 67% 4%
Kearsley West Primary School Standards maintained2024 2.0 applications per place 81% 33%
The Valley Community Primary School Outstanding2023 2.0 applications per place 83% 16%
Hardy Mill Primary School Standards maintained2024 2.0 applications per place 69% 7%
St Bernard's RC Primary School, Bolton Faith Remains Good2022 2.0 applications per place 72% 14%
St Peter's Smithills Dean Church of England Primary School Faith Remains Good2022 2.0 applications per place 59% 8%
Blackrod Primary School Outstanding2024 2.0 applications per place 78% 8%
Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 2.0 applications per place 79% 19%
St Thomas of Canterbury RC School Faith Remains Good2023 2.0 applications per place 52% 17%
The Ferns Primary Academy 2026 2.0 applications per place 76% 32%
St Stephen's CofE Primary School Faith Good2023 2.0 applications per place 53% 27%
Horwich Parish CofE Primary School Faith 2026 1.9 applications per place 73% 20%
All Saints CofE Primary School Faith 2026 1.9 applications per place 66% 30%
Blackshaw Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 1.9 applications per place 69% 20%
Bolton Parish Church, Church of England Primary School Faith Remains Good2021 1.9 applications per place – 27%
Church Road Primary School Standards maintained2025 1.9 applications per place 62% 28%
Lever Edge Primary Academy Good2023 1.9 applications per place 63% 30%
St Peter's CofE Primary School Faith 2025 1.9 applications per place 58% 29%
Mytham Primary School Remains Good2023 1.9 applications per place 56% 18%
Eagley Infant School Remains Good2023 1.9 applications per place – 9%
St John Church of England Primary School, Farnworth Faith Good2022 1.9small intake applications per place – 37%
Tonge Moor Primary Academy Good2023 1.8 applications per place 44% 55%
Clarendon Primary School Standards maintained2025 1.8 applications per place 63% 36%
Devonshire Road Primary School Good2022 1.8 applications per place 68% 28%
St Thomas C of E Primary School, Halliwell Faith 2026 1.8 applications per place 50% 30%
Highfield Primary School 2026 1.8 applications per place 66% 25%
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Primary School Faith Outstanding2024 1.8 applications per place 74% 9%
Gilnow Primary School 2026 1.7 applications per place 53% 28%
High Lawn Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 1.7 applications per place 61% 22%
St Stephen and All Martyrs' CofE School, Lever Bridge Faith Good2023 1.7 applications per place 65% 33%
Brandwood Primary School Good2023 1.6 applications per place 56% 43%
Ladybridge Community Primary School 2026 1.6 applications per place 69% 18%
Spindle Point Primary School 2026 1.6 applications per place 74% 11%
Beacon Primary School Good2023 1.6 applications per place 36% 65%
St Ethelbert's Roman Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy Faith Not yet inspected 1.6 applications per place 62% 33%
Cherry Tree Primary School 2026 1.6 applications per place 44% 48%
Gaskell Community Primary School Graded · no overall grade2025 1.6 applications per place 79% 36%
Ss Simon & Jude CofE Primary School, Bolton Faith Good2024 1.6 applications per place 62% 39%
St James CofE Primary School, Daisy Hill Faith Remains Good2024 1.5 applications per place 65% 10%
SS Osmund and Andrew's R.C. Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 1.5 applications per place 57% 33%
St Bede Academy Faith Good2023 1.5 applications per place 49% 30%
St Andrew's CofE Primary School, Over Hulton Faith 2026 1.4 applications per place 90% 11%
Woodland Primary Academy Good2020 1.4 applications per place – 41%
Pikes Lane Primary School Graded · no overall grade2025 1.4 applications per place 54% 35%
St Michael's CofE Primary School, Great Lever Faith Remains Good · improving2024 1.3 applications per place 59% 29%
St Columba's RC Primary School Faith Good2024 1.3 applications per place 69% 33%
Leverhulme Community Primary School 2026 1.3 applications per place 45% 56%
Holy Infant and St Anthony RC Primary School Faith 2026 1.3 applications per place 52% 38%
Red Lane Primary School Graded · no overall grade2025 1.2 applications per place 63% 59%
St Peter and St Paul RC Primary School a Voluntary Academy Faith Remains Good2020 1.2 applications per place – 30%
St Mary's CofE Primary School, Deane Faith Remains Outstanding2024 1.1 applications per place 66% 41%
St Matthew's CofE Primary School, Bolton Faith Remains Good2023 1.1 applications per place 47% 48%
Eagley Junior School Graded · no overall grade2025 no data 70% 16%
Egerton Community Primary School 2026 no data – –
Johnson Fold Community Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 no data – –

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS2 results, Ofsted. FSM: free school meals.

Special schools and other provision

12 schools