Wardle Academy
114%
Capacity
1,364
Pupils
2.3x
Demand
About Wardle Academy
Wardle Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Rochdale community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,364 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (114% of 1,200 places).
Ofsted has rated Wardle Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher James Glennie, it falls under Rochdale local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.49 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 40.2. Additionally, ranked 2591st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 10th out of 11 in Rochdale.
Wardle Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 522 applications for 230 places, making it 2.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 260 were first-preference applications.
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 Wardle Academy include Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Science Labs, Library.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rowing, Rugby, Gymnastics, Badminton and 4 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, Orchestra, Model UN, Coding and 3 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 Rochdale, Wardle 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 | None |
| Address | Birch Road, Rochdale, Rochdale, OL12 9RD |
| Headteacher | James Glennie |
| Local Authority | Rochdale |
| Number of Pupils | 1,364 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 28.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,364 / 1,200 (114% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
20 Oct 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (20 Oct 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 17 Jan 2018. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.49)
2591st of 3,141
Nationally
334th of 445
In North West
10th of 11
In Rochdale
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
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed230
522
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
260 families put this school as their 1st choice (50% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wardle 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
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Birch Road, Rochdale
Rochdale, OL12 9RD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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