Best Secondary Schools in Bolton 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 19 schools across Bolton. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Total schools

Outstanding

21%

Outstanding rate

65%

Avg KS2 SATs

39.5

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Bolton Muslim Girls School Secondary	Outstanding	75	View school
🥈	Canon Slade School Secondary	Outstanding	71	View school
🥉	Sharples School Secondary	Good	69	View school
4.	Eden Boys' School, Bolton Secondary	Outstanding	69	View school
5.	St James's Church of England High School Secondary	Outstanding	66	View school
6.	Turton School Secondary	Good	57	View school
7.	Thornleigh Salesian College Secondary	Good	54	View school
8.	King's Leadership Academy Bolton Secondary	Good	53	View school
9.	Ladybridge High School Secondary	Good	52	View school
10.	Rivington and Blackrod High School Secondary	Requires Improvement	48	View school
11.	Westhoughton High School Secondary	Good	48	View school
12.	Essa Academy Secondary	Requires Improvement	47	View school
13.	Kearsley Academy Secondary	Requires Improvement	45	View school
14.	St Joseph's RC High School Secondary	Requires Improvement	44	View school
15.	Little Lever School Secondary	Requires Improvement	44	View school
16.	Harper Green School Secondary	Requires Improvement	43	View school
17.	Smithills School Secondary	Good	43	View school
18.	University Collegiate School Secondary	Good	41	View school
19.	Mount St Joseph RC High School a Voluntary Academy Secondary	Requires Improvement	16	View school

See full data for any school in Bolton

Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

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Frequently asked questions

How many secondary schools are there in Bolton?

There are 19 secondary schools in Bolton, of which 4 (21%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in Bolton?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Bolton is Bolton Muslim Girls School. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in Bolton?

Primary and secondary school applications in Bolton are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Bolton council website for application forms and deadlines.

What is the average Ofsted rating in Bolton?

21% of secondary schools in Bolton are rated Outstanding and 42% are rated Good. 81% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.