Classpot

Turton School

Bolton, BL7 9LTSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Mar 2024
Progress 8
+0.08
Above average
−20+2
Competition
0.9×
Not oversubscribed
236 1st-choice / 264 places
Ranking
#1,339
of 3,141 nationally

About Turton School

Turton School is a large, mixed state secondary in Bolton that is currently operating at full capacity, with 1,606 pupils on roll against a stated capacity of 1,600. This is a school in clear demand: for the 2025/26 academic year, it received 521 total applications for 264 places, an oversubscription ratio of 1.97, and made 233 offers to first-preference applicants out of 236 who put it top of their list. The school’s intake reflects a broadly typical socioeconomic mix for the area, with 21.6% of pupils eligible for free school meals, which is slightly above the national average but in line with many Bolton secondaries. Headteacher Sam Gorse leads a non-denominational school with no religious character, and the school has its own official sixth form, meaning pupils can stay on site from age 11 through to 18.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressBromley Cross Road, Bolton, Bolton, BL7 9LT
HeadteacherSam Gorse
Local AuthorityBolton
Number of Pupils1,606
Free School Meals (FSM)21.6%
School Capacity1,606 / 1,600 (100% 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

12 Mar 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 7 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

13
Astro TurfSwimming PoolTennis CourtsSports HallGymnasiumSixth Form CentreScience LabsDining HallPlaying FieldsICT SuiteTheatreLibraryChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

15

Sports

TennisGymnasticsBasketballFootballNetballRugbyRounders

Clubs & Activities

DramaScience ClubNewspaperModel United NationsArt ClubOrchestraGardeningDuke of Edinburgh

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Turton School

Turton School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.