The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 40.3 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement 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
40.3
3.5 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
34%
7.4pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
27%
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
73%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
5%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
14%
Based on 228 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 24 days per year on average — over a month of school.
35% 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, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 136 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Foundation school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,416
- Capacity
- 96%
- FSM
- 34.2%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Lancashire
- Head
- Ms Jane Richardson (Head Teacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Requires Improvement
9 official reports linked on this page, including 8 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
November 2018 | Full Inspection
Short inspection
January 2018 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
June 2014 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Satisfactory
November 2011 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
January 2011 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
January 2009 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
June 2008 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Inadequate
November 2007 | Full Inspection
Location
Townley Holmes, Burnley, Lancashire, BB11 3DF
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmBurnley Brunshaw Primary School
Primary · Very close
Burnley St Stephen's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Primary · 520m away
Burnley Springfield Community Primary School
Primary · 863m away
Rockwood Nursery School
Nursery · 863m away
St Mary's RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Primary · 1.1km away
Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic College, A Voluntary Academy
Secondary · 1.3km away
Burnley St Peter's Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Olive High
Independent · 1.6km away
Questions parents ask
Is Unity College a selective school?
No. Unity College is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Unity College's Ofsted rating?
Unity College was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in February 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Unity College?
Unity College currently has 1,416 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Unity College take?
Unity College caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Unity College?
Unity College is in Burnley, BB11 3DF, in the Lancashire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Unity College have a sixth form?
No, Unity College does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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