The short version
Average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 45.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
45.5
1.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
48%
6.0pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
55%
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
86%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
74%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
7%
Employment
Directly into work
5%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
11%
Based on 212 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 16 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
24% 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, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 106 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Community school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,101
- Capacity
- 91%
- FSM
- 37.3%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Wigan
- Head
- Mr Paul McCaffery (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
9 official reports linked on this page, including 8 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Short inspection
May 2018 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
November 2013 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
January 2013 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
January 2011 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
January 2010 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
May 2008 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
May 2007 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection
September 2004 | Full Inspection
Location
Manchester Road, Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 2LU
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmSt Thomas' CofE Primary School, Leigh
Primary · 686m away
Bedford Hall Methodist Primary School
Primary · 873m away
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Leigh
Primary · 1.2km away
St Gabriel's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
St Mary's Catholic High School
Secondary · 1.7km away
Leigh CofE Primary School
Primary · 1.9km away
Christ Church CofE Primary School, Pennington
Primary · 1.9km away
St Ambrose Barlow Catholic Primary School
Primary · 2.0km away
Questions parents ask
Is Bedford High School a selective school?
No. Bedford High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Bedford High School's Ofsted rating?
Bedford High School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in October 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Bedford High School?
Bedford High School currently has 1,101 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Bedford High School take?
Bedford High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Bedford High School?
Bedford High School is in Leigh, WN7 2LU, in the Wigan local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Bedford High School have a sixth form?
No, Bedford High School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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