Canon Slade School
97%
Capacity
1,747
Pupils
2.5x
Demand
About Canon Slade School
Canon Slade School is a state-funded Church of England secondary school serving the Bolton community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,747 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (97% of 1,800 places).
Ofsted has rated Canon Slade School "Good", the school is led by headteacher James Gilhooly, it falls under Bolton local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.29 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 54.6. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, ranked 859th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 19 in Bolton.
Canon Slade School is a popular choice with families — it received 758 applications for 297 places, making it 2.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 320 were first-preference applications.
Canon Slade School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 86% recommending the school (234 responses).
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 Canon Slade School include Astro Turf, Gymnasium, Theatre, Library, Music Rooms, Science Labs, Dining Hall, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Gymnastics, Netball, Football and 6 more, as well as clubs including Choir, Chess, Gardening, Science Club and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 15.9%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bolton, Canon Slade 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 | Church of England |
| Address | Bradshaw Brow, Bolton, Bolton, BL2 3BP |
| Headteacher | James Gilhooly |
| Local Authority | Bolton |
| Number of Pupils | 1,747 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 15.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,747 / 1,800 (97% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
15 Oct 2024Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 27 Nov 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.29)
859th of 3,141
Nationally
86th of 445
In North West
6th of 19
In Bolton
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)
'21/22
37.1
'22/23
35.4
'23/24
36.2
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
234 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed297
758
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
320 families put this school as their 1st choice (42% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canon Slade 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
Bradshaw Brow, Bolton
Bolton, BL2 3BP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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