Pleckgate High School
100%
Capacity
1,354
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Pleckgate High School
Pleckgate High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Blackburn with Darwen community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,354 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (100% of 1,350 places).
the school is led by headteacher A McGinty, it falls under Blackburn with Darwen local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.01 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.0. Additionally, ranked 1531st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 10 in Blackburn with Darwen.
Pleckgate High School is a popular choice with families — it received 643 applications for 268 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 244 were first-preference applications.
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 Pleckgate High School include Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Art Studios, Dining Hall, Gymnasium, Astro Turf, Music Rooms, Theatre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Martial Arts, Hockey, Athletics, Dance and 2 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Drama, Film Club, Gardening and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 23.3%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Blackburn with Darwen, Pleckgate 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 | Pleckgate Road, Blackburn, Blackburn with Darwen, BB1 8QA |
| Headteacher | A McGinty |
| Local Authority | Blackburn with Darwen |
| Number of Pupils | 1,354 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 23.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,354 / 1,350 (100% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Jun 2024Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Source: Ofsted, 2 Jul 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.01)
1531st of 3,141
Nationally
161st of 445
In North West
4th of 10
In Blackburn with Darwen
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
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed268
643
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
244 families put this school as their 1st choice (38% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pleckgate 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
Pleckgate Road, Blackburn
Blackburn with Darwen, BB1 8QA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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