The Blue Coat CofE School
108%
Capacity
1,669
Pupils
7.1x
Demand
About The Blue Coat CofE School
The Blue Coat CofE School is a state-funded Church of England secondary school serving the Oldham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,669 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (108% of 1,550 places).
the school is led by headteacher Rob Higgins, it falls under Oldham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.50 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 56.1. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 492nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 12 in Oldham.
The Blue Coat CofE School is a popular choice with families — it received 1,605 applications for 227 places, making it 7.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 597 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Blue Coat CofE School include Art Studios, Library, Tennis Courts, Gymnasium, Science Labs, Music Rooms, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Dining Hall, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Cricket, Tennis, Netball and 2 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Gardening, Drama, Choir and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 15.4%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Oldham, The Blue Coat CofE 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Church of England |
| Address | Egerton Street, Oldham, Oldham, OL1 3SQ |
| Headteacher | Rob Higgins |
| Local Authority | Oldham |
| Number of Pupils | 1,669 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 15.4% |
| School Capacity | 1,669 / 1,550 (108% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
29 Nov 2022Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 19 Jan 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.50)
492nd of 3,141
Nationally
49th of 445
In North West
1st of 12
In Oldham
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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
37.9
'22/23
35.7
'23/24
37.0
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE 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
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed227
1,605
Extremely High Demand
Very competitive - significantly more applications than places
597 families put this school as their 1st choice (37% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Blue Coat CofE 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
Egerton Street, Oldham
Oldham, OL1 3SQ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at The Blue Coat CofE School!
Write a Review