Classpot

Canon Slade School

Bolton, BL2 3BPSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted inspected
5 Good
Oct 2024
Progress 8
+0.29
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.1×
Oversubscribed
320 1st-choice / 297 places
Ranking
#859
of 3,141 nationally

About Canon Slade School

Canon Slade School is a Church of England secondary in Bolton that parents clearly rate highly. In the most recent Parent View survey, covering September 2024 to September 2025, 86% of the 234 respondents said they would recommend the school to other parents. That confidence is backed by strong agreement on specific questions: 91% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy, and 89% felt their child is safe. The school is also in high demand. For entry in 2025/26, Canon Slade received 758 applications for 297 places, an oversubscription ratio of 2.55, with 320 families listing it as their first preference. Of those, 283 were offered a place. The school is large, with 1,747 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,800, and it has a sixth form. Just under 16% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is slightly above the national average for state secondaries.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterChurch of England
AddressBradshaw Brow, Bolton, Bolton, BL2 3BP
HeadteacherJames Gilhooly
Local AuthorityBolton
Number of Pupils1,747
Free School Meals (FSM)15.9%
School Capacity1,747 / 1,800 (97% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

What 234 parents told Ofsted, the inspection in plain English, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
See an example
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

15 Oct 2024
View Report
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade in inspections of state-funded schools.

Source: Ofsted, 27 Nov 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

12
Astro TurfGymnasiumTheatreLibraryMusic RoomsScience LabsDining HallTennis CourtsSports HallPlaying FieldsSixth Form CentreChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

18

Sports

TennisGymnasticsNetballFootballBasketballSwimmingRugbyCricketBadmintonRowing

Clubs & Activities

ChoirChessGardeningScience ClubDuke of EdinburghYoung EnterpriseModel United NationsDebate

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Canon Slade School

Canon Slade School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.