Essa Academy
109%
Capacity
1,077
Pupils
2.9x
Demand
About Essa Academy
Essa Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Bolton community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,077 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (109% of 990 places).
Ofsted has rated Essa Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Mel Flynn, it falls under Bolton local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.73 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 47.1. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 252nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 19 in Bolton.
Essa Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 584 applications for 204 places, making it 2.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 196 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 Essa Academy include ICT Suite, Dining Hall, Swimming Pool, Library, Sports Hall, Music Rooms, Tennis Courts, Astro Turf, Science Labs, Art Studios, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rounders, Martial Arts, Athletics, Swimming and 3 more, as well as clubs including Model UN, Book Club, Eco Club, Orchestra and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 44.8%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bolton, Essa 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 | Lever Edge Lane, Bolton, Bolton, BL3 3HH |
| Headteacher | Mel Flynn |
| Local Authority | Bolton |
| Number of Pupils | 1,077 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 44.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,077 / 990 (109% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Oct 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 5 Dec 2021. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.73)
252nd of 3,141
Nationally
24th of 445
In North West
3rd of 19
In Bolton
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more 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
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed204
584
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
196 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 Essa 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
Lever Edge Lane, Bolton
Bolton, BL3 3HH
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
