Oulder Hill Leadership Academy
78%
Capacity
1,170
Pupils
2.1x
Demand
About Oulder Hill Leadership Academy
Oulder Hill Leadership Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Rochdale community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,170 pupils on roll, operating at 78% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Oulder Hill Leadership Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Adrian Smale, it falls under Rochdale 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 1795th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 11 in Rochdale.
Oulder Hill Leadership Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 469 applications for 225 places, making it 2.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 123 were first-preference applications.
Oulder Hill Leadership Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 70% recommending the school (161 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Oulder Hill Leadership Academy include Dining Hall, Library, Playing Fields, Swimming Pool, Sixth Form Centre, Theatre, Sports Hall, Art Studios, ICT Suite, Science Labs, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Gymnastics, Cricket, Badminton and 2 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Orchestra, Gardening, DofE and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 35.3%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Rochdale, Oulder Hill Leadership 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 | Does not apply |
| Address | Hudsons Walk, Rochdale, Rochdale, OL11 5EF |
| Headteacher | Adrian Smale |
| Local Authority | Rochdale |
| Number of Pupils | 1,170 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 35.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,170 / 1,500 (78% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
7 Jan 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 6 Feb 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.11)
1795th of 3,141
Nationally
206th of 445
In North West
4th of 11
In Rochdale
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.
Ofsted Parent View
161 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
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed225
469
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
123 families put this school as their 1st choice (26% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oulder Hill Leadership 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
Hudsons Walk, Rochdale
Rochdale, OL11 5EF
Hudsons Walk, Rochdale
Rochdale, OL11 5EF
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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