The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 53.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2022
- This is a Church of England school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
53.5
9.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
58%
15.7pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
38%
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
92%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
82%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
6%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
7%
Based on 209 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 12 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
15% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% 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 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 91 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Church of England
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,064
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 19.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Bolton
- Trust
- THE BISHOP FRASER TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Catherine Anderson (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Location
Lucas Road, Farnworth, Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL4 9RU
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmOur Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School
Primary · 304m away
Highfield Primary School
Primary · 312m away
Harper Green School
Secondary · 680m away
The Ferns Primary Academy
Primary · 686m away
Queensbridge Primary School
Primary · 851m away
Cherry Tree Primary School
Primary · 910m away
The Orchards Nursery School
Nursery · 952m away
Green Fold School
Special school · 952m away
Questions parents ask
Is St James's Church of England High School a selective school?
No. St James's Church of England High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is St James's Church of England High School's Ofsted rating?
St James's Church of England High School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in November 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend St James's Church of England High School?
St James's Church of England High School currently has 1,064 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does St James's Church of England High School take?
St James's Church of England High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is St James's Church of England High School?
St James's Church of England High School is in Bolton, BL4 9RU, in the Bolton local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does St James's Church of England High School have a sixth form?
No, St James's Church of England High School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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