Pendle Community High School & College

  • Special
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 11 to 19
Ofsted: Outstanding

Oxford Road, Nelson, BB9 8LFOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Pendle Community High School & College is a special school in Nelson for ages 11 to 19. It is one of the 692 schools in Lancashire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in October 2017.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 24 October 2017, report published 29 November 2017

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Sixth form provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 20 March 2024

Pupils, including students in the sixth form, are placed firmly at the heart of this welcoming and highly aspirational school. They thrive as part of a friendly and exciting learning community. The school is relentlessly ambitious for pupils and students, all of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to challenge pupils and to celebrate each step of their learning, however small or large. The school's expectations are extremely high. There are no limits. Pupils achieve exceptionally well. Pupils are kind and supportive of each other. They appreciate the routines that the school provides and the rewards that they gain for their positive behaviour. Staff know pupils as individuals. They provide personalised and sensitive support that helps pupils to communicate their needs and regulate their own behaviour. The school places a sharp focus on ensuring that all pupils are extremely well prepared for adulthood. Pupils flourish due to an extensive programme of activities and experiences that nurture their personal development. This equips pupils with the skills that they need to keep themselves safe and healthy, communicate effectively, and live their lives as independently as possible.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

27 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score0.9

0.9, 45.2 below the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths0%

0%, 45.4 percentage points below the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths0%

0%, 64.8 percentage points below the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc0%

0%, 40.5 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score0.07

0.07, 4.02 below the England average of 4.09.

Pupil numbers and mix

166 pupils on roll, with places for 136

Eligible for free school meals50.6%

50.6%, 24.1 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language30.1%

30.1%, 8.5 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support0%

0%, 14.8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan100%

100%, 94 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Pendle Community High School & College

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Pendle View Primary School0.2 milesOfsted: Outstanding0% met the expected standard
The Nook School1 mileOfsted: GoodNot published
Grow Independent School1 mileNo Ofsted inspectionNot published
Silver Birch School2 milesNo Ofsted inspectionNot published
Compass Community School Lancashire3 milesOfsted: GoodNot published

School details

School type
Community special school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
11 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Ms Debra Grogan
Address
Oxford Road, Nelson, BB9 8LF
Local authority
Lancashire
URN
135015

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.