Blackburn Central High School
109%
Capacity
984
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Blackburn Central High School
Blackburn Central High School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Blackburn with Darwen community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 984 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (109% of 900 places).
Ofsted has rated Blackburn Central High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Nicola Power, it falls under Blackburn with Darwen local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.20 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 41.2. Additionally, ranked 2020th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 10 in Blackburn with Darwen.
Blackburn Central High School is a popular choice with families — it received 365 applications for 202 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 163 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Blackburn Central High School include Library, Theatre, Playing Fields, Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Art Studios.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Cricket, Cross Country, Dance and 4 more, as well as clubs including Newspaper, Coding, Chess, Model UN and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 39.3%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Blackburn with Darwen, Blackburn Central High 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Haslingden Road, Blackburn, Blackburn with Darwen, BB2 3HJ |
| Headteacher | Nicola Power |
| Local Authority | Blackburn with Darwen |
| Number of Pupils | 984 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 39.3% |
| School Capacity | 984 / 900 (109% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Dec 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (14 Dec 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 7 Dec 2012. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.20)
2020th of 3,141
Nationally
243rd of 445
In North West
5th of 10
In Blackburn with Darwen
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less 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.
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
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed202
365
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
163 families put this school as their 1st choice (45% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackburn Central High 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
Haslingden Road, Blackburn
Blackburn with Darwen, BB2 3HJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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