Sir John Thursby Community College
99%
Capacity
1,118
Pupils
2.3x
Demand
About Sir John Thursby Community College
Sir John Thursby Community College is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Burnley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,118 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 1,125 places).
Ofsted has rated Sir John Thursby Community College "Good", the school is led by headteacher Matt Renshaw, it falls under Lancashire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.29 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 37.5. Additionally, ranked 2229th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 5 in Burnley.
Sir John Thursby Community College is a popular choice with families — it received 499 applications for 222 places, making it 2.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 243 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Sir John Thursby Community College include Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Dining Hall, Music Rooms, Sixth Form Centre, Art Studios, Tennis Courts, Science Labs, ICT Suite, Library, Gymnasium.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Athletics, Cross Country, Rugby and 5 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Debate, Model UN, Science Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 38.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Burnley, Sir John Thursby Community College 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 | None |
| Address | Eastern Avenue, Burnley, Burnley, BB10 2AT |
| Headteacher | Matt Renshaw |
| Local Authority | Lancashire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,118 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 38.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,118 / 1,125 (99% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
25 Apr 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 29 Jun 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.29)
2229th of 3,141
Nationally
278th of 445
In North West
4th of 5
In Burnley
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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed222
499
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
243 families put this school as their 1st choice (49% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sir John Thursby Community College
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
Eastern Avenue, Burnley
Burnley, BB10 2AT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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