The Hollins

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 16
Ofsted: Good

Hollins Lane, Accrington, BB5 2QYOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

The Hollins is a secondary school in Accrington for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 692 schools in Lancashire. It ranks 3rd of 5 secondary schools in Accrington. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in December 2017.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 6 December 2017, report published 17 January 2018

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 October 2024

Pupils are polite, kind and considerate. They make a positive contribution to the calm and respectful atmosphere that exists at the school. Pupils respond well to the high expectations that the school has of their conduct and achievement. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well. Pupils are happy. Pupils enjoy an impressive range of activities that make a strong contribution to the development of their talents and interests. For example, they take part in musical productions as well as sports, art and music clubs. The school ensures that pupils access trips and experiences that deepen their understanding of the subjects that they study. These include cultural visits to the theatre and places of worship. Pupils value the opportunities that they have to support members of the local community. For example, they organise a tea party for the elderly and provide support to people that are homeless. Pupils make a significant contribution to the life of the school through the many leadership roles that are available to them. For example, they act as sports leaders and school councillors. The school's pupil parliament has taken steps to improve the outdoor space to support pupils' mental health.

What the school should improve

  • At times, staff are not quick enough to identify and address the gaps and misconceptions that some pupils have in their learning. This means that these pupils move on to new learning before they are ready. The school should support staff in rectifying the gaps and misunderstandings that some pupils have in their learning so that these pupils successfully build the depth of knowledge that they should.
  • On occasion, staff do not ensure that pupils have sufficient understanding of subject- specific vocabulary. When this happens, some pupils struggle to use their knowledge with confidence and security. The school should ensure that staff help pupils to learn and apply important vocabulary so that pupils achieve as well as they should.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

154 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score40.7

40.7, 5.4 below the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths33.8%

33.8%, 11.6 percentage points below the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths51.3%

51.3%, 13.5 percentage points below the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc13%

13%, 27.5 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score3.40

3.40, 0.69 below the England average of 4.09.

Pupil numbers and mix

794 pupils on roll, with places for 800

Eligible for free school meals35.3%

35.3%, 8.8 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language27.6%

27.6%, 6 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support10.8%

10.8%, 4 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan3.5%

3.5%, 2.5 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near The Hollins

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
The Alternative School1 mileNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 2.4
Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School, Hyndburn1 mileReport card: Expected standard to strong standardAttainment 8: 42.7
Rhyddings2 milesOfsted judgements: Requires improvementAttainment 8: 36.5
Accrington Academy2 milesOfsted judgements: Requires improvement to goodAttainment 8: 39.4
Accrington St Christopher's Church of England High School2 milesReport card: Expected standard to strong standardAttainment 8: 50.7

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
LET EDUCATION TRUST
Age range
11 to 16
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
No
Headteacher
Mr Michael Bird
Address
Hollins Lane, Accrington, BB5 2QY
Local authority
Lancashire
URN
148922

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.