Witton Park Academy
107%
Capacity
1,312
Pupils
2.0x
Demand
About Witton Park Academy
Witton Park Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Blackburn with Darwen community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,312 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (107% of 1,230 places).
Ofsted has rated Witton Park Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Martin Knowles, it falls under Blackburn with Darwen local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.70 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 36.0. Additionally, ranked 2848th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 8th out of 10 in Blackburn with Darwen.
Witton Park Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 435 applications for 221 places, making it 2.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 101 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Witton Park Academy include Sports Hall, Tennis Courts, Gymnasium, Dining Hall, Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Library, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Sixth Form Centre, Theatre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Hockey, Cross Country, Swimming and 3 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Gardening, Film Club, Drama and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 35.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Blackburn with Darwen, Witton Park 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 | Does not apply |
| Address | Buncer Lane, Blackburn, Blackburn with Darwen, BB2 6TD |
| Headteacher | Martin Knowles |
| Local Authority | Blackburn with Darwen |
| Number of Pupils | 1,312 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 35.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,312 / 1,230 (107% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
4 Nov 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (4 Nov 2021): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 14 Oct 2016. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.70)
2848th of 3,141
Nationally
381st of 445
In North West
8th of 10
In Blackburn with Darwen
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
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed221
435
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
101 families put this school as their 1st choice (23% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Witton Park 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
Buncer Lane, Blackburn
Blackburn with Darwen, BB2 6TD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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