Smithills School
Decision summary
This summary combines published school data and is designed to help you decide what to check next. It does not guarantee a school place or replace official admissions guidance.
Attainment 8 of 36.5 is significantly below the national average. Progress 8 and pupil context may still indicate positive value-added.
- Attainment 8:
- 36.5
- 5+ Eng & Maths:
- 43%
- Academic year:
- 2024/2025
Progress is close to average or statistically uncertain because the confidence interval crosses zero. This does not necessarily mean the school adds or detracts from pupil progress.
- Progress 8:
- -0.04
- Confidence interval:
- [-0.25, 0.18]
Admissions realism depends on your home postcode and the school's published allocation data. Enter your postcode on this page to get a more specific assessment, and always verify the latest policy on the school's official admissions page.
This is a selective school. Admission usually requires passing an entrance test. Check the school's admissions policy for test registration deadlines.
- Selective admissions: an entrance test (usually the 11+ or equivalent) is required. Check registration and test dates well in advance.
- Verify the school's official admissions policy
- Check entrance test registration dates
- Book an open day or school visit
- Add this school to your shortlist and compare with backup options
Performance over time
Attainment 8 over time
Progress 8 over time(not available 2024/25)
Historical results
| Year | Pupils | Att8 | P8 | 5+ E&M | EBacc % | EBacc APS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/2025 | 234 | 36.5 | — | 42.7% | 32.1% | 3.3 |
| 2023/2024 | 207 | 39.5 | -0.04 | 46.9% | 31.4% | 3.5 |
| 2022/2023 | 171 | 38.9 | -0.34 | 42.0% | 35.0% | 3.4 |
| 2021/2022 | 172 | 38.4 | -0.32 | 40.0% | 26.0% | 3.4 |
Nearby and similar schools
Other secondary schools in Bolton for local comparison.
School information
| URN | 140500 |
| Local authority | Bolton |
| Region | North West |
| Phase | Secondary |
| Type | Academy converter |
| Gender of entry | Mixed |
| Age range | 11-16 |
| Headteacher | Headteacher Carolyn Dewse |
| Trust | THE BOLTON IMPACT TRUST |
| Admissions | Non-selective |
| Religious character | Does not apply |
| Postcode | BL1 6JS |
| Latest pupils | 234 |
| FSM eligible | 40.4% |
Contact and identifiers
Smithills Dean Road, Smithills School, Bolton, Lancashire, BL1 6JS
http://www.smithillsschool.net/1204842382| DfE number | 4049 |
| UKPRN | 10044502 |
| Opened | 1 Jan 2014 |
| GIAS updated | 10 Feb 2026 |
Data sources and freshness
| Official record updated | 10 Feb 2026 |
| Latest KS4 year | 2024/2025 |
| Latest KS2 year | — |
| Ofsted published | 23 Oct 2023 |
Latest Ofsted inspection
| Quality of education | Requires improvement |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Requires improvement |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
| Inspection type | S5 Inspection |
| Category of concern | — |
| Inspection date | 19 Sept 2023 |
| Publication date | 23 Oct 2023 |