Darwen Vale High School
89%
Capacity
1,071
Pupils
2.1x
Demand
About Darwen Vale High School
Darwen Vale High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Blackburn with Darwen community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,071 pupils on roll and is well-filled (89% of 1,200 places).
Ofsted has rated Darwen Vale High School "Good", 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 -0.29 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 42.5. Additionally, ranked 2223rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 10 in Blackburn with Darwen.
Darwen Vale High School is a popular choice with families — it received 486 applications for 235 places, making it 2.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 218 were first-preference applications.
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 Vale High School include Science Labs, ICT Suite, Tennis Courts, Theatre, Library, Sports Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Swimming, Rowing, Hockey and 6 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, Orchestra, Choir, Coding and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 31.4%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Blackburn with Darwen, Darwen Vale High 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Blackburn Road, Darwen, Blackburn with Darwen, BB3 0AL |
| Headteacher | Jessica Giraud |
| Local Authority | Blackburn with Darwen |
| Number of Pupils | 1,071 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 31.4% |
| School Capacity | 1,071 / 1,200 (89% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
30 Jan 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 11 Mar 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.29)
2223rd of 3,141
Nationally
277th of 445
In North West
7th of 10
In Blackburn with Darwen
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make 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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed235
486
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
218 families put this school as their 1st choice (45% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Darwen Vale High 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
Blackburn Road, Darwen
Blackburn with Darwen, BB3 0AL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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