Edgar Wood Academy
71%
Capacity
637
Pupils
2.3x
Demand
About Edgar Wood Academy
Edgar Wood Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Rochdale community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 637 pupils on roll, operating at 71% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Edgar Wood Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Paul Jones, it falls under Rochdale local authority.
Edgar Wood Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 329 applications for 144 places, making it 2.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 101 were first-preference applications.
Edgar Wood Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is below average, with 32% recommending the school (56 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 Edgar Wood Academy include Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Dining Hall, Theatre, Music Rooms, Sixth Form Centre, Science Labs, Playing Fields, Library.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Netball, Cricket, Tennis and 3 more, as well as clubs including Choir, Art Club, Gardening, Drama and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 41.3%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Rochdale, Edgar Wood 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Heywood Old Road, Heywood, Rochdale, OL10 2QN |
| Headteacher | Paul Jones |
| Local Authority | Rochdale |
| Number of Pupils | 637 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 41.3% |
| School Capacity | 637 / 900 (71% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Nov 2023Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Source: Ofsted, 18 Jan 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Ofsted Parent View
56 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
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed144
329
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
101 families put this school as their 1st choice (31% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Edgar Wood 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
Heywood Old Road, Heywood
Rochdale, OL10 2QN
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Edgar Wood Academy!
Write a Review