Sharples School
113%
Capacity
1,218
Pupils
3.5x
Demand
About Sharples School
Sharples School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Bolton community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,218 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (113% of 1,080 places).
Ofsted has rated Sharples School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Caroline Molyneux, it falls under Bolton local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.86 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 56.5. Additionally, placing it in the top 5% of schools nationally. Additionally, ranked 151st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 19 in Bolton.
Sharples School is a popular choice with families — it received 821 applications for 234 places, making it 3.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 355 were first-preference applications.
Sharples School has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.5/5 from 1 parents), and parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 92% recommending the school (75 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 Sharples School include Library, Art Studios, Science Labs, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, ICT Suite, Theatre, Sports Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cross Country, Gymnastics, Rowing, Swimming and 2 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Newspaper, Science Club, Book Club and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 28.1%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bolton, Sharples 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 | Hill Cot Road, Bolton, Bolton, BL1 8SN |
| Headteacher | Caroline Molyneux |
| Local Authority | Bolton |
| Number of Pupils | 1,218 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 28.1% |
| School Capacity | 1,218 / 1,080 (113% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
8 Jan 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (8 Jan 2025): Improved significantly
Source: Ofsted, 30 Sept 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.86)
151st of 3,141
Nationally
16th of 445
In North West
2nd of 19
In Bolton
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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.
Ofsted Parent View
75 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
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed234
821
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
355 families put this school as their 1st choice (43% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sharples 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
Hill Cot Road, Bolton
Bolton, BL1 8SN
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
Opening Hours
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