The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2011).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 45.7 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2011
- This is a Roman Catholic school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
45.7
1.9 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
41%
0.7pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
27%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.02
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
93%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
86%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 256 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 16 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
22% 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, 15 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 140 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Voluntary aided school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Roman Catholic
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,576
- Capacity
- 96%
- FSM
- 28.9%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Bolton
- Head
- Mr Michael Fitzsimons (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
9 official reports linked on this page, including 8 earlier reports.
Previous reports
School inspection
November 2019 | School Inspection
Short inspection
December 2015 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
September 2011 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
October 2010 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
October 2008 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
May 2007 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
January 2006 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
March 2000 | Full Inspection
Location
Sharples Park, Astley Bridge, Bolton, Lancashire, BL1 6PQ
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmHoly Infant and St Anthony RC Primary School
Primary · 481m away
Youth Challenge Pru
Academy · 780m away
Smithills School
Secondary · 801m away
St Paul's CofE Primary School, Astley Bridge
Primary · 864m away
St Thomas C of E Primary School, Halliwell
Primary · 1.0km away
Eden Boys' School, Bolton
Secondary · 1.1km away
St Peter's Smithills Dean Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
St Joseph's RC Primary School, Halliwell, Bolton
Primary · 1.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is Thornleigh Salesian College a selective school?
No. Thornleigh Salesian College is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Thornleigh Salesian College's Ofsted rating?
Thornleigh Salesian College was rated Good at its most recent inspection in October 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Thornleigh Salesian College?
Thornleigh Salesian College currently has 1,576 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Thornleigh Salesian College take?
Thornleigh Salesian College caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Thornleigh Salesian College?
Thornleigh Salesian College is in Bolton, BL1 6PQ, in the Bolton local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Thornleigh Salesian College have a sixth form?
Yes, Thornleigh Salesian College has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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