Southlands High School
89%
Capacity
931
Pupils
1.5x
Demand
About Southlands High School
Southlands High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Chorley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 931 pupils on roll and is well-filled (89% of 1,050 places).
Ofsted has rated Southlands High School "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Paul Bousfield, it falls under Lancashire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.49 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 39.1. Additionally, ranked 2589th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 6 in Chorley.
Southlands High School is a popular choice with families — it received 208 applications for 141 places, making it 1.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 66 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 Southlands High School include Sports Hall, Music Rooms, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Gymnasium, Art Studios, Tennis Courts, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Tennis, Rugby, Hockey and 6 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Model UN, Art Club, Choir and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 27.1%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Chorley, Southlands 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 | Clover Road, Chorley, Chorley, PR7 2NJ |
| Headteacher | Paul Bousfield |
| Local Authority | Lancashire |
| Number of Pupils | 931 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 27.1% |
| School Capacity | 931 / 1,050 (89% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
6 Feb 2024Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Source: Ofsted, 14 Mar 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.49)
2589th of 3,141
Nationally
333rd of 445
In North West
6th of 6
In Chorley
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
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed141
208
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
66 families put this school as their 1st choice (32% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southlands 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
Clover Road, Chorley
Chorley, PR7 2NJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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