Penwortham Priory Academy
99%
Capacity
744
Pupils
3.4x
Demand
About Penwortham Priory Academy
Penwortham Priory Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the South Ribble community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 744 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 750 places).
Ofsted has rated Penwortham Priory Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher M Eastham, it falls under Lancashire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.36 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 40.5. Additionally, ranked 2366th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 9th out of 11 in South Ribble.
Penwortham Priory Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 514 applications for 150 places, making it 3.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 153 were first-preference applications.
Penwortham Priory Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 89% recommending the school (161 responses).
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 Penwortham Priory Academy include Science Labs, Dining Hall, ICT Suite, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Theatre, Library, Music Rooms, Astro Turf, Art Studios, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Basketball, Rugby, Gymnastics, Cross Country and 6 more, as well as clubs including Book Club, Orchestra, Newspaper, Debate and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 25.4%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in South Ribble, Penwortham Priory 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 | Crow Hills Road, Preston, South Ribble, PR1 0JE |
| Headteacher | M Eastham |
| Local Authority | Lancashire |
| Number of Pupils | 744 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 25.4% |
| School Capacity | 744 / 750 (99% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
26 Mar 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (26 Mar 2025): Standards maintained
Source: Ofsted, 17 Mar 2020. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.36)
2366th of 3,141
Nationally
300th of 445
In North West
9th of 11
In South Ribble
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less 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.
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
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed150
514
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
153 families put this school as their 1st choice (30% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penwortham Priory 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
Crow Hills Road, Preston
South Ribble, PR1 0JE
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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