The short version
Below-average GCSE results. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 37.4 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
37.4
6.4 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
34%
8.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
16%
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
79%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
70%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
8%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
16%
Based on 127 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 23 days per year on average — over a month of school.
36% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
6% 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 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 46 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 591
- Capacity
- 70%
- FSM
- 27.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Lancashire
- Trust
- PENDLE EDUCATION TRUST
- Head
- Mr John Bates (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Requires Improvement
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
June 2022 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
June 2021 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
March 2021 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
November 2020 | Monitoring Visit
School inspection: Inadequate
November 2019 | School Inspection
Short inspection
October 2018 | Short Inspection
Academy conversion letter
September 2016 | Academy Conversion Letter
Location
Kelbrook Road, Barnoldswick, Lancashire, BB18 5TB
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmBarnoldswick Church of England Controlled Primary School
Primary · Very close
Gisburn Road Community Primary School
Primary · 917m away
Salterforth Primary School
Primary · 1.0km away
Coates Lane Primary School
Primary · 1.0km away
St Joseph's Catholic primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Primary · 1.1km away
Kelbrook Primary School
Primary · 2.6km away
Thornton in Craven Community Primary School
Primary · 3.5km away
Questions parents ask
Is West Craven High School a selective school?
No. West Craven High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is West Craven High School's Ofsted rating?
West Craven High School was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in July 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend West Craven High School?
West Craven High School currently has 591 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does West Craven High School take?
West Craven High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is West Craven High School?
West Craven High School is in Barnoldswick, BB18 5TB, in the Lancashire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does West Craven High School have a sixth form?
No, West Craven High School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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