Smithills School
96%
Capacity
1,201
Pupils
1.5x
Demand
About Smithills School
Smithills School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Bolton community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,201 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (96% of 1,250 places).
Ofsted has rated Smithills School "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Carolyn Dewse, it falls under Bolton local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.04 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 39.5. Additionally, ranked 1612th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 10th out of 19 in Bolton.
Smithills School is a popular choice with families — it received 400 applications for 268 places, making it 1.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 156 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 Smithills School include Library, Swimming Pool, Gymnasium, Tennis Courts, ICT Suite, Sports Hall, Astro Turf, Science Labs, Theatre, Playing Fields, Music Rooms, Art Studios, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Badminton, Tennis, Swimming, Dance and 4 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Choir, Gardening, Debate and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 40.4%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bolton, Smithills 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 | Smithills Dean Road, Smithills School, Bolton, Bolton, BL1 6JS |
| Headteacher | Carolyn Dewse |
| Local Authority | Bolton |
| Number of Pupils | 1,201 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 40.4% |
| School Capacity | 1,201 / 1,250 (96% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Source: Ofsted, 23 Oct 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.04)
1612th of 3,141
Nationally
174th of 445
In North West
10th of 19
In Bolton
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
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed268
400
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
156 families put this school as their 1st choice (39% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smithills 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
Smithills Dean Road, Smithills School, Bolton
Bolton, BL1 6JS
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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