Classpot

The Blue Coat CofE School

Oldham, OL1 3SQSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Nov 2022
Progress 8
+0.50
Well above average
−20+2
Competition
2.6×
Oversubscribed
597 1st-choice / 227 places
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#492 of 3,141 nationally

About The Blue Coat CofE School

The Blue Coat CofE School is a Church of England secondary in Oldham that is significantly oversubscribed, a clear signal of its local standing. For entry in 2025/26, the school received 1,605 applications for 227 places, with 597 families listing it as their first preference. It made 222 first-preference offers, giving an oversubscription ratio of just over seven applicants per place. The school currently has 1,669 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,550, meaning it is operating above its official limit. Around 15.4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is below the national average for secondary schools and suggests a relatively less disadvantaged intake compared with many schools in the Oldham local authority area. The school is mixed and non-selective by ability, with an 11-18 age range and a dedicated sixth form centre on site.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterChurch of England
AddressEgerton Street, Oldham, Oldham, OL1 3SQ
HeadteacherRob Higgins
Local AuthorityOldham
Number of Pupils1,669
Free School Meals (FSM)15.4%
School Capacity1,669 / 1,550 (108% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

29 Nov 2022
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Sixth Form Provision
Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 19 Jan 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

11
Art StudiosLibraryTennis CourtsGymnasiumScience LabsMusic RoomsSports HallSwimming PoolDining HallChapelSixth Form Centre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

14

Sports

HockeyCricketTennisNetballRugbySwimming

Clubs & Activities

DebateGardeningDramaChoirModel United NationsOrchestraChessEco Club

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:40 – 15:20

Source: blue-coat.org. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Blue Coat CofE School

The Blue Coat CofE School has been rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted. This means the school provides an exceptional quality of education, and pupils thrive both academically and personally.