Parklands High School
99%
Capacity
1,106
Pupils
3.6x
Demand
About Parklands High School
Parklands High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Chorley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,106 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 1,116 places).
Ofsted has rated Parklands High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Clare Batson, it falls under Lancashire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.39 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 50.8. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 663rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 6 in Chorley.
Parklands High School is a popular choice with families — it received 773 applications for 214 places, making it 3.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 253 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 5 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 2 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Parklands High School include Gymnasium, Library, ICT Suite, Tennis Courts, Sixth Form Centre, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Badminton, Hockey, Rounders, Netball and 4 more, as well as clubs including Choir, Drama, DofE, Art Club and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 27.6%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Chorley, Parklands 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 | Southport Road, Chorley, Chorley, PR7 1LL |
| Headteacher | Clare Batson |
| Local Authority | Lancashire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,106 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 27.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,106 / 1,116 (99% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
11 May 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (11 May 2023): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 8 Jan 2015. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.39)
663rd of 3,141
Nationally
65th of 445
In North West
3rd of 6
In Chorley
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make 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
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed214
773
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
253 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 Parklands 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
Southport Road, Chorley
Chorley, PR7 1LL
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 Parklands High School!
Write a Review