Classpot

Unity College

Burnley, BB11 3DFSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Requires Improvement
Feb 2024
Progress 8
-0.21
Below average
−20+2
Competition
0.7×
Not oversubscribed
221 1st-choice / 298 places
Ranking
#2,022
of 3,141 nationally

About Unity College

Unity College is a large secondary school in Burnley, Lancashire, currently educating 1,416 pupils against a capacity of 1,480, meaning it is very close to full. The proportion of students eligible for free school meals stands at 34.2%, which is significantly above the national average and reflects the school's role in serving a community with higher-than-average deprivation. Demand for places is strong: for the 2025/26 academic year, the school received 696 applications for 298 places, an oversubscription ratio of 2.34, with 220 offers made to first-preference applicants out of 221 who listed it first. This level of competition suggests that despite the school's current Ofsted rating, local families see it as a viable option. The school is mixed, non-denominational, and caters to pupils aged 11 to 16 with no sixth form. It is led by headteacher Jane Richardson.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressTownley Holmes, Burnley, Burnley, BB11 3DF
HeadteacherJane Richardson
Local AuthorityLancashire
Number of Pupils1,416
Free School Meals (FSM)34.2%
School Capacity1,416 / 1,480 (96% full)

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

20 Feb 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Behaviour & Attitudes
Requires improvement
Personal Development
Requires improvement
Leadership & Management
Requires improvement

Source: Ofsted, 19 Mar 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

10
LibraryArt StudiosScience LabsPlaying FieldsTennis CourtsDining HallSixth Form CentreSports HallSwimming PoolTheatre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

18

Sports

AthleticsNetballBadmintonTennisMartial ArtsDanceCross CountryCricketRowingHockey

Clubs & Activities

Duke of EdinburghEco ClubGardeningFilm ClubArt ClubCodingBook ClubDebate

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 Unity College

Unity College has been rated "Requires Improvement" by Ofsted. This means the school is not yet good, but inspectors believe it can improve with the right support and changes.