The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 39.3 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2024
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
39.3
4.5 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
26%
16.0pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
38%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
93%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
89%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
7%
Based on 74 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 17 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
25% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 14 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 54 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Free schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 547
- Capacity
- 99%
- FSM
- 45.9%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Wigan
- Trust
- EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Leanne Turner (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
- Boarding
- Not applicable
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
5 official reports linked on this page, including 4 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Hamilton Street, Atherton, Greater Manchester, M46 0AY
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmFred Longworth High School
Secondary · 1.3km away
Kingshill School
Special school · 1.6km away
St Gabriel's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.7km away
Cambian Gloucester
Independent · 1.9km away
Cambian - Park Hill
Independent · 1.9km away
Cambian Meadow Road
Independent · 1.9km away
Cambian Rooley Moor
Independent · 1.9km away
Cambian Pilsworth
Independent · 1.9km away
Questions parents ask
Is Atherton High School a selective school?
No. Atherton High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Atherton High School's Ofsted rating?
Atherton High School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in January 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Atherton High School?
Atherton High School currently has 547 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Atherton High School take?
Atherton High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Atherton High School?
Atherton High School is in Atherton, M46 0AY, in the Wigan local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Atherton High School have a sixth form?
No, Atherton High School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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