Classpot

Whitworth Community High School

Rossendale, OL12 8TSSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Mar 2023
Progress 8
-0.08
Below average
−20+2
Competition
1.5×
Oversubscribed
190 1st-choice / 129 places
Ranking
#1,732
of 3,141 nationally

About Whitworth Community High School

Whitworth Community High School is a mixed 11-16 state secondary in Rossendale, Lancashire, currently operating below its full capacity with 651 pupils against a school capacity of 709. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 23.3%, which is notably higher than the national average for secondary schools and reflects the school's role in serving a community with above-average levels of economic disadvantage. Demand for places is strong: for the 2025/26 academic year, the school received 322 total applications for 129 places, with 190 of those coming as first preferences. This gives an oversubscription ratio of 2.5, meaning more than two families applied for every available spot. Of those first-preference applicants, 128 were offered places, indicating that almost all families who put Whitworth as their top choice secured a place, but competition remains high for the remaining spots.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressHall Street, Hallfold, ROCHDALE, Rossendale, OL12 8TS
HeadteacherAndrew Oliver
Local AuthorityLancashire
Number of Pupils651
Free School Meals (FSM)23.3%
School Capacity651 / 709 (92% 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

22 Mar 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Latest monitoring visit (22 Mar 2023): School remains Good

Source: Ofsted, 24 Dec 2014. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

10
Art StudiosScience LabsSports HallTennis CourtsGymnasiumDining HallPlaying FieldsICT SuiteMusic RoomsChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

15

Sports

RowingCross CountryBadmintonMartial ArtsNetballCricket

Clubs & Activities

Model United NationsNewspaperBook ClubYoung EnterpriseDramaGardeningEco ClubDebateArt Club

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

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

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:45 – 15:00

Breakfast club

08:30-08:45

Source: wchs.co. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Whitworth Community High School

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