Darwen Aldridge Community Academy
67%
Capacity
1,065
Pupils
1.6x
Demand
About Darwen Aldridge Community Academy
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Blackburn with Darwen community, welcoming children from age 11 to 19. The school has 1,065 pupils on roll, operating at 67% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Darwen Aldridge Community Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Jessica Giraud, it falls under Blackburn with Darwen local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.77 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 39.0. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 2906th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 9th out of 10 in Blackburn with Darwen.
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 246 applications for 150 places, making it 1.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 140 were first-preference applications.
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 75% recommending the school (87 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 Darwen Aldridge Community Academy include Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, Science Labs, Theatre, Swimming Pool, Library, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Athletics, Badminton, Hockey and 3 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Science Club, Book Club, DofE and 7 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 32.8%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Blackburn with Darwen, Darwen Aldridge Community Academy 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 19 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Sudell Road, Darwen, Blackburn with Darwen, BB3 3HD |
| Headteacher | Jessica Giraud |
| Local Authority | Blackburn with Darwen |
| Number of Pupils | 1,065 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 32.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,065 / 1,600 (67% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
20 May 2025Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 9 Jul 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.77)
2906th of 3,141
Nationally
392nd of 445
In North West
9th of 10
In Blackburn with Darwen
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
33.2
'22/23
26.9
'23/24
29.9
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
87 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
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed150
246
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
140 families put this school as their 1st choice (57% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Darwen Aldridge Community Academy
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
Sudell Road, Darwen
Blackburn with Darwen, BB3 3HD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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