Caroline Chisholm School
107%
Capacity
2,134
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Caroline Chisholm School
Caroline Chisholm School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the West Northamptonshire community, welcoming children from age 4 to 18. The school has 2,134 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (107% of 2,002 places).
Ofsted has rated Caroline Chisholm School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Chris Bishop, it falls under West Northamptonshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.09 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 51.2. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1333rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 10th out of 22 in West Northamptonshire.
Caroline Chisholm School is a popular choice with families — it received 490 applications for 201 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 167 were first-preference applications.
Caroline Chisholm School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 78% recommending the school (322 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Caroline Chisholm School include Science Labs, Art Studios, Sixth Form Centre, Theatre, Dining Hall, Playing Fields, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Library, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Cricket, Tennis, Dance and 5 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, Art Club, Coding, Model UN and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 12.1%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in West Northamptonshire, Caroline Chisholm School is one of the options available in the East Midlands 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 | 4 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Wooldale Centre for Learning, Northampton, West Northamptonshire, NN4 6TP |
| Headteacher | Chris Bishop |
| Local Authority | West Northamptonshire |
| Number of Pupils | 2,134 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 12.1% |
| School Capacity | 2,134 / 2,002 (107% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 May 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (21 May 2025): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 23 Feb 2020. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.09)
1333rd of 3,141
Nationally
101st of 273
In East Midlands
10th of 22
In West Northamptonshire
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
37.6
'22/23
32.8
'23/24
31.6
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
322 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
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed201
490
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
167 families put this school as their 1st choice (34% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caroline Chisholm 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
Wooldale Centre for Learning, Northampton
West Northamptonshire, NN4 6TP
Wooldale Centre for Learning, Northampton
West Northamptonshire, NN4 6TP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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