Classpot

Pendle Vale College

Pendle, BB9 8LFSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Apr 2026
Progress 8
+0.07
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.1×
Oversubscribed
226 1st-choice / 203 places
Ranking
#1,371
of 3,141 nationally

About Pendle Vale College

Pendle Vale College is a popular choice among local families, and the numbers back that up. For the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 555 applications for 203 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.73. Of those, 226 families put it as their first preference, and 187 of those were offered a place. That level of demand suggests a strong reputation in the Pendle area. The school is a mixed, non-denominational secondary for pupils aged 11 to 16, with no sixth form. It currently has 1,042 pupils on roll, very close to its capacity of 1,050. The headteacher is Oliver Handley, and the school has a Good rating from Ofsted, a grade it has held since its last graded inspection in 2012, with an ungraded inspection in 2021 confirming it remains Good.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressOxford Road, Nelson, Pendle, BB9 8LF
HeadteacherOliver Handley
Local AuthorityLancashire
Number of Pupils1,042
Free School Meals (FSM)32.8%
School Capacity1,042 / 1,050 (99% full)

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
See an example
One-off paymentNo subscriptionStripe checkout

Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

10 Nov 2021
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Latest monitoring visit (10 Nov 2021): School remains Good

Source: Ofsted, 29 Oct 2012. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

13
Swimming PoolICT SuiteScience LabsArt StudiosMusic RoomsSports HallPlaying FieldsSixth Form CentreTennis CourtsLibraryDining HallGymnasiumChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

15

Sports

CricketDanceFootballRugbySwimmingAthleticsBadmintonCross CountryRounders

Clubs & Activities

DramaModel United NationsChoirOrchestraScience ClubGardening

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

Was this page helpful?

Frequently Asked Questions About Pendle Vale College

Pendle Vale College has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.