The short version
Below-average GCSE results. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 32.6 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2023
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
32.6
11.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
31%
11.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
33%
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
78%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
75%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
1%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
17%
Based on 72 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 29 days per year on average — over a month of school.
43% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
13% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 19 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 55 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
- 589
- Capacity
- 56%
- FSM
- 44%
Governance
- Local authority
- Lancashire
- Trust
- STAR ACADEMIES
- Head
- Ms Colette Roberts
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Requires Improvement
1 official report linked on this page.
Location
Fearns Moss, Bacup, Lancashire, OL13 0TG
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmWaterfoot Primary School
Primary · 449m away
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Secondary · 566m away
St Anne's Church of England Primary School
Primary · 982m away
Bacup Holy Trinity Stacksteads Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
Rawtenstall Newchurch Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
Staghills Nursery School
Nursery · 1.2km away
Broadclough Lodge
Independent · 3.0km away
Questions parents ask
What is The Valley Leadership Academy's Ofsted rating?
The Valley Leadership Academy was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in September 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Valley Leadership Academy?
The Valley Leadership Academy currently has 589 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Valley Leadership Academy take?
The Valley Leadership Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Valley Leadership Academy?
The Valley Leadership Academy is in Bacup, OL13 0TG, in the Lancashire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Valley Leadership Academy have a sixth form?
No, The Valley Leadership Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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