Harper Green School
90%
Capacity
1,126
Pupils
1.2x
Demand
About Harper Green School
Harper Green School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Bolton community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,126 pupils on roll and is well-filled (90% of 1,250 places).
Ofsted has rated Harper Green School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Sally Heppenstall, it falls under Bolton local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.11 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 42.9. Additionally, ranked 1794th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 13th out of 19 in Bolton.
Harper Green School is a popular choice with families — it received 278 applications for 229 places, making it 1.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 91 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Harper Green School include Sixth Form Centre, Music Rooms, Gymnasium, Theatre, Library, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Dining Hall, Science Labs, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rugby, Badminton, Football, Martial Arts and 3 more, as well as clubs including Newspaper, Orchestra, Chess, Coding and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 45.0%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bolton, Harper Green 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 | Harper Green Road, Bolton, Bolton, BL4 0DH |
| Headteacher | Sally Heppenstall |
| Local Authority | Bolton |
| Number of Pupils | 1,126 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 45.0% |
| School Capacity | 1,126 / 1,250 (90% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
10 Jan 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 8 Mar 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.11)
1794th of 3,141
Nationally
205th of 445
In North West
13th of 19
In Bolton
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed229
278
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
91 families put this school as their 1st choice (33% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harper Green 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
Harper Green Road, Bolton
Bolton, BL4 0DH
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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