The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity.
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 41.0 vs national 43.8)
- This school does not have a sixth form
- The school is at capacity (109% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
41.0
2.8 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
35%
7.1pp 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
84%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
81%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
13%
Based on 173 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 14 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
24% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 102 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 984
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 39.3%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Blackburn with Darwen
- Trust
- OAK LEARNING PARTNERSHIP
- Head
- Mrs Nicola Power (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Location
Haslingden Road, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 3HJ
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmCrosshill Special School
Special school · Very close
St Mary's and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School Blackburn
Primary · Very close
Audley Junior School
Primary · 370m away
Audley Infant School
Primary · 370m away
Markazul Uloom
Independent · 726m away
Noorul Uloom
Independent · 726m away
Newfield School
Special school · 977m away
Longshaw Community Junior School
Primary · 1.0km away
Questions parents ask
Is Blackburn Central High School a selective school?
No. Blackburn Central High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
How many pupils attend Blackburn Central High School?
Blackburn Central High School currently has 984 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Blackburn Central High School take?
Blackburn Central High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Blackburn Central High School?
Blackburn Central High School is in Blackburn, BB2 3HJ, in the Blackburn with Darwen local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Blackburn Central High School have a sixth form?
No, Blackburn Central High School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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