Unity College
96%
Capacity
1,416
Pupils
2.3x
Demand
About Unity College
Unity College is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Burnley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,416 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (96% of 1,480 places).
Ofsted has rated Unity College "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Jane Richardson, it falls under Lancashire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.21 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 39.8. Additionally, ranked 2022nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 5 in Burnley.
Unity College is a popular choice with families — it received 696 applications for 298 places, making it 2.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 221 were first-preference applications.
Unity College has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.2/5 from 4 parents).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Unity College include Library, Art Studios, Science Labs, Playing Fields, Tennis Courts, Dining Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Theatre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Netball, Badminton, Tennis and 6 more, as well as clubs including DofE, Eco Club, Gardening, Film Club and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 34.2%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Burnley, Unity 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Townley Holmes, Burnley, Burnley, BB11 3DF |
| Headteacher | Jane Richardson |
| Local Authority | Lancashire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,416 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 34.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,416 / 1,480 (96% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
20 Feb 2024Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Source: Ofsted, 19 Mar 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.21)
2022nd of 3,141
Nationally
244th of 445
In North West
2nd of 5
In Burnley
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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed298
696
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
221 families put this school as their 1st choice (32% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unity 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
Townley Holmes, Burnley
Burnley, BB11 3DF
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
