Classpot

Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio

Blackburn with Darwen, BB3 1AFSecondaryAges 13–19MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Mar 2026
Progress 8
-0.82
Well below average
−20+2
Competition
N/A
No data
Ranking
#2,933
of 3,141 nationally

About Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio

Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio is a small secondary school in Blackburn with Darwen that takes pupils from age 13, offering a fresh start for the final years of compulsory education. With 264 pupils on roll against a capacity of 300, the school is not oversubscribed, which may be a practical consideration for families seeking a place outside the traditional Year 7 entry point. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, an ungraded visit in 2021, confirmed it remains Good, with leadership and management, sixth-form provision, and overall effectiveness all rated Good in the previous graded inspection of 2015. While no parent-view data is available in the published records, the school’s relatively small size and specialist studio model suggest a close-knit environment where staff can get to know students well. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 42.9%, well above the national average, reflecting the school’s role in serving a diverse local community.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range13 to 19 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressPolice Street, Darwen, Blackburn with Darwen, BB3 1AF
HeadteacherJulie Green
Local AuthorityBlackburn with Darwen
Number of Pupils264
Free School Meals (FSM)42.9%
School Capacity264 / 300 (88% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, 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
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

15 Sept 2021
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Latest monitoring visit (15 Sept 2021): School remains Good

Source: Ofsted, 29 Apr 2015. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

7
Playing FieldsSwimming PoolLibraryDining HallAstro TurfICT SuiteSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

15

Sports

AthleticsNetballGymnasticsSwimmingMartial ArtsTennisDance

Clubs & Activities

ChessDebateBook ClubGardeningNewspaperDuke of EdinburghYoung EnterpriseModel United Nations

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionLearning DifficultySevere LearningOther

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

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:40 – 15:10

Source: daestudio.biz. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio

Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.