The short version
Below-average GCSE results. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 36.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2022
- The school has significant spare capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
36.5
7.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
24%
18.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
17%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
D+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.41
Band 4Source: 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
87%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
80%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
11%
Based on 210 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 18 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
30% 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, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 103 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–19
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,065
- Capacity
- 67%
- FSM
- 32.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Blackburn with Darwen
- Trust
- ALDRIDGE EDUCATION
- Head
- Mrs Jessica Giraud (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
7 official reports linked on this page, including 6 earlier reports.
Previous reports
School inspection: Requires Improvement
December 2022 | School Inspection
Short inspection
May 2017 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
January 2013 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
July 2012 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
January 2011 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
March 2010 | Monitoring Visit
Location
Sudell Road, Darwen, Lancashire, BB3 3HD
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmDarwen School
Independent · Very close
Turncroft Nursery School
Nursery · Very close
Holy Trinity VC School
Primary · 424m away
Darwen St Peter's Church of England Primary School
Primary · 512m away
Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio
Secondary · 571m away
Darwen St James CofE Primary Academy
Primary · 840m away
Ashleigh Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
Tullyallan Special School
Special school · 1.5km away
Questions parents ask
Is Darwen Aldridge Community Academy a selective school?
No. Darwen Aldridge Community Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Darwen Aldridge Community Academy's Ofsted rating?
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in May 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Darwen Aldridge Community Academy?
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy currently has 1,065 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Darwen Aldridge Community Academy take?
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 19. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Darwen Aldridge Community Academy?
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy is in Darwen, BB3 3HD, in the Blackburn with Darwen local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Darwen Aldridge Community Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, Darwen Aldridge Community Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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