Thornleigh Salesian College
96%
Capacity
1,576
Pupils
2.9x
Demand
About Thornleigh Salesian College
Thornleigh Salesian College is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Bolton community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,576 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (96% of 1,650 places).
Ofsted has rated Thornleigh Salesian College "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Michael Fitzsimons, it falls under Bolton local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.22 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.8. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 2070th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 16th out of 19 in Bolton.
Thornleigh Salesian College is a popular choice with families — it received 748 applications for 262 places, making it 2.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 289 were first-preference applications.
Thornleigh Salesian College parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 80% recommending the school (186 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Thornleigh Salesian College include Art Studios, Science Labs, Library, Playing Fields, Dining Hall, Music Rooms, Sports Hall, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Rugby, Football, Swimming and 6 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Eco Club, Coding, DofE and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 28.9%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bolton, Thornleigh Salesian College 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 | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Sharples Park, Bolton, Bolton, BL1 6PQ |
| Headteacher | Michael Fitzsimons |
| Local Authority | Bolton |
| Number of Pupils | 1,576 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 28.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,576 / 1,650 (96% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
22 Oct 2024Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 27 Nov 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.22)
2070th of 3,141
Nationally
249th of 445
In North West
16th of 19
In Bolton
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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
36.4
'22/23
34.8
'23/24
32.9
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
186 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
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed262
748
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
289 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 Thornleigh Salesian College
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
Sharples Park, Bolton
Bolton, BL1 6PQ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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