The Blue Coat CofE School

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 18
Ofsted: Outstanding

Egerton Street, Chadderton, Oldham, OL1 3SQOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

The Blue Coat CofE School is a secondary school in Oldham for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 126 schools in Oldham. It ranks 1st of 9 secondary schools in Oldham. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in November 2022.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 29 November 2022, report published 19 January 2023

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Sixth form provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 29 November 2022

Pupils, and students in the sixth form, flourish at this school. They are immensely proud of their school and its history. Pupils are consistently polite and respectful. Their conduct reflects leaders' high standards. Pupils feel safe and happy at school. Teachers deal with any incidents of bullying swiftly and effectively. Leaders have very high expectations of pupils' academic achievement. Pupils experience an ambitious curriculum that is successfully designed to build a deep and secure body of knowledge over time. They are exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their education. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), engage in a wealth of opportunities to promote their personal development. Pupils readily assume leadership roles, for example on the school council. These roles enable pupils to make meaningful contributions to the school, organising events such as the 'Culture Day'. Students in the sixth form strive to serve their local community, working towards the 'Blues Award', which is given for 24 hours of voluntary service. Pupils appreciate the wide range of extra-curricular activities available, such as book clubs, music, sports and a Braille club. Many pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, benefit from a vast array of trips and visits. For example, most Year 8 pupils visit Belgium. All Year 9 pupils participate in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

250 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score59.1

59.1, 13 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths73.6%

73.6%, 28.2 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths87.6%

87.6%, 22.8 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc88.4%

88.4%, 47.9 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score5.49

5.49, 1.4 above the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

219 students

Average point score per A level entry35.53

35.53, 0.53 above the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade B-, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,702 pupils on roll, with places for 1,550

Eligible for free school meals15.2%

15.2%, 11.3 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language12.5%

12.5%, 9.1 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support6.2%

6.2%, 8.6 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan3.7%

3.7%, 2.3 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near The Blue Coat CofE School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Westwood Boys School0.3 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
The Brian Clarke Church of England Academy0.7 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstandingNot published
Oldham Sixth Form College0.7 milesNo Ofsted inspectionNot published
Sapience Girls Academy0.8 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 43.7
Westwood High0.9 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 54.1

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
CRANMER EDUCATION TRUST
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Church of England
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Rob Higgins
Address
Egerton Street, Chadderton, Oldham, OL1 3SQ
Local authority
Oldham
URN
137133

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.