Burnley College
N/A
Capacity
N/A
Pupils
5.1x
Demand
About Burnley College
Burnley College is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Burnley community, welcoming children from age 16 to 99.
Ofsted has rated Burnley College "Good", the school is led by headteacher Karen Buchanan, it falls under Lancashire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.16 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 42.1. Additionally, ranked 1910th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 5 in Burnley.
Burnley College is a popular choice with families — it received 607 applications for 120 places, making it 5.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 130 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 Burnley College include Swimming Pool, Art Studios, Tennis Courts, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, Astro Turf, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Sixth Form Centre, Library, ICT Suite, Science Labs, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Netball, Martial Arts, Dance and 5 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Young Enterprise, Art Club, Science Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 39.0%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Burnley, Burnley College 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 | 16 to 99 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Princess Way, Burnley, Burnley, BB12 0AN |
| Headteacher | Karen Buchanan |
| Local Authority | Lancashire |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 39.0% |
| School Capacity | 600 |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
29 Jun 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (29 Jun 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 23 Jun 2017. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.16)
1910th of 3,141
Nationally
223rd of 445
In North West
1st of 5
In Burnley
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
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed120
607
Extremely High Demand
Very competitive - significantly more applications than places
130 families put this school as their 1st choice (21% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burnley College
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
Princess Way, Burnley
Burnley, BB12 0AN
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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