The short version
Average GCSE results. 89% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 43.1 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
43.1
0.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
40%
1.4pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
11%
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
82%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
75%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
13%
Based on 158 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 18 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
27% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
5% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 92 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,071
- Capacity
- 89%
- FSM
- 31.4%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Blackburn with Darwen
- Trust
- ALDRIDGE EDUCATION
- Head
- Mrs Jessica Giraud
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
5 official reports linked on this page, including 4 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Blackburn Road, Darwen, Lancashire, BB3 0AL
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmLower Darwen Primary School
Primary · 471m away
St Edward's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Primary · 967m away
St James' Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.0km away
Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Roman Catholic Primary School Blackburn
Primary · 1.4km away
St Cuthbert's Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
Tullyallan Special School
Special school · 1.6km away
Darwen St James CofE Primary Academy
Primary · 1.6km away
Longshaw Infant School
Primary · 1.7km away
Questions parents ask
Is Darwen Vale High School a selective school?
No. Darwen Vale High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Darwen Vale High School's Ofsted rating?
Darwen Vale High School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in January 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Darwen Vale High School?
Darwen Vale High School currently has 1,071 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Darwen Vale High School take?
Darwen Vale High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Darwen Vale High School?
Darwen Vale High School is in Darwen, BB3 0AL, in the Blackburn with Darwen local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Darwen Vale High School have a sixth form?
No, Darwen Vale High School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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