Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
84%
Capacity
1,056
Pupils
2.3x
Demand
About Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Rossendale community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,056 pupils on roll and is well-filled (84% of 1,260 places).
Ofsted has rated Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School "Inadequate", the school is led by headteacher James Johnstone, it falls under Lancashire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.36 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 72.0. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 721st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 6 in Rossendale.
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is a popular choice with families — it received 400 applications for 171 places, making it 2.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 210 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School include Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Library, Music Rooms, Playing Fields, Art Studios, Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Science Labs, Astro Turf, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Dance, Athletics, Gymnastics and 2 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, Science Club, Chess, Drama and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 6.1%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Rossendale, Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is one of the options available in the North West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Glen Road, Rossendale, Rossendale, BB4 7BJ |
| Headteacher | James Johnstone |
| Local Authority | Lancashire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,056 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 6.1% |
| School Capacity | 1,056 / 1,260 (84% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
15 Jun 2022Overall Effectiveness
Inadequate
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 22 Sept 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.36)
721st of 3,141
Nationally
74th of 445
In North West
1st of 6
In Rossendale
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed171
400
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
210 families put this school as their 1st choice (53% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Glen Road, Rossendale
Rossendale, BB4 7BJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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