Westhoughton High School
99%
Capacity
1,338
Pupils
1.7x
Demand
About Westhoughton High School
Westhoughton High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Bolton community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,338 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 1,350 places).
Ofsted has rated Westhoughton High School "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Neil Coe, it falls under Bolton local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.64 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 43.1. Additionally, ranked 2790th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 17th out of 19 in Bolton.
Westhoughton High School is a popular choice with families — it received 434 applications for 259 places, making it 1.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 254 were first-preference applications.
Westhoughton High School has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (1.6/5 from 10 parents).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Westhoughton High School include Art Studios, Music Rooms, Theatre, Astro Turf, Library, Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Science Labs, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Dining Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rounders, Swimming, Football, Cross Country and 3 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Eco Club, Coding, Model UN and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 22.9%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bolton, Westhoughton High School 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 | Does not apply |
| Address | Bolton Road, Bolton, Bolton, BL5 3BZ |
| Headteacher | Neil Coe |
| Local Authority | Bolton |
| Number of Pupils | 1,338 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 22.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,338 / 1,350 (99% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
10 May 2023Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Source: Ofsted, 27 Jun 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.64)
2790th of 3,141
Nationally
371st of 445
In North West
17th of 19
In Bolton
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed259
434
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
254 families put this school as their 1st choice (59% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Westhoughton High School
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
Bolton Road, Bolton
Bolton, BL5 3BZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
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