The Valley Leadership Academy
56%
Capacity
589
Pupils
0.8x
Demand
About The Valley Leadership Academy
The Valley Leadership Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Rossendale community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 589 pupils on roll, operating at 56% capacity.
Ofsted has rated The Valley Leadership Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Colette Roberts, it falls under Lancashire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -1.08 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 29.6. Additionally, ranked 3044th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 6 in Rossendale.
The school has 139 places available and received 117 applications, meaning most applicants are likely to secure a place.
The Valley Leadership Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 77% recommending the school (13 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Valley Leadership Academy include ICT Suite, Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Art Studios, Music Rooms, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Swimming, Hockey, Tennis and 6 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Model UN, Choir, Science Club and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 44.0%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Rossendale, The Valley Leadership Academy 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 | Fearns Moss, Bacup, Rossendale, OL13 0TG |
| Headteacher | Colette Roberts |
| Local Authority | Lancashire |
| Number of Pupils | 589 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 44.0% |
| School Capacity | 589 / 1,050 (56% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Source: Ofsted, 24 Oct 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-1.08)
3044th of 3,141
Nationally
421st of 445
In North West
6th of 6
In Rossendale
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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.
Ofsted Parent View
13 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26139
117
Places Available
More places available than applications received
47 families put this school as their 1st choice (40% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Valley Leadership Academy
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
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications
Contact Information
Fearns Moss, Bacup
Rossendale, OL13 0TG
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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