The short version
Below-average GCSE results. 88% capacity.
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 34.7 vs national 43.8)
- 43% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, above the national average
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
34.7
9.1 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
28%
14.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
0%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.06
Band 3Source: 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
88%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
0%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
10%
Based on 52 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 33 days per year on average — over a month of school.
55% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
9% 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 26 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Studio schools
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 13–19
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 264
- Capacity
- 88%
- FSM
- 42.9%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Blackburn with Darwen
- Trust
- ALDRIDGE EDUCATION
- Head
- Miss Julie Green
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Boarding
- Not applicable
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Police Street, Darwen, Lancashire, BB3 1AF
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmHoly Trinity VC School
Primary · Very close
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy
Secondary · 571m away
Darwen School
Independent · 707m away
Darwen St James CofE Primary Academy
Primary · 803m away
Turncroft Nursery School
Nursery · 865m away
Tullyallan Special School
Special school · 994m away
Darwen St Peter's Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
St Cuthbert's Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
Questions parents ask
Is Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio a selective school?
No. Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
How many pupils attend Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio?
Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio currently has 264 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio take?
Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio caters for pupils aged 13 to 19. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio?
Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio is in Darwen, BB3 1AF, in the Blackburn with Darwen local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio have a sixth form?
Yes, Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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