Youth Challenge Pru

  • Alternative provision
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 16
Ofsted: Outstanding

Smithills Dean Road, Bolton, BL1 6JTOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Youth Challenge Pru is an alternative provision school in Bolton for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 142 schools in Bolton. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in February 2019.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 26 February 2019, report published 24 March 2019

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 10 July 2024

Pupils receive the very best education at this inspiring school. Many join the school having experienced considerable barriers and disruption to their learning. The school helps them to put their difficulties behind them and to embrace the world of opportunity on offer. Pupils grow, thrive and learn in this school's highly inclusive environment. Expectations for pupils' achievement are extremely high. Pupils, many of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), try their best to rise to these high expectations. Pupils commit to their learning. They take pride in the work that they produce. Pupils typically achieve well in the academic and vocational subjects that they study. The school offers pupils a fresh start. Their behaviour improves considerably once they join the school. Pupils are supported to reflect on any issues that arise, and to take responsibility for their own conduct. Pupils understand and follow the school rules, including in lessons. They show respect for staff and to each other. The school is calm and orderly. Pupils benefit from excellent provision for their personal development. For example, pupils undertake voluntary work as part of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. They learn about sustainability and the environment through the production of their own food in the school's amazing vegetable garden. Pupils are introduced to a wide range of sports, such as golf and football. They participate in water safety sessions and learn to travel independently on public transport. Almost all pupils return successfully to mainstream education or take up places at college or in employment when the time comes.

Pupil numbers and mix

72 pupils on roll, with places for 104

Eligible for free school meals68.1%

68.1%, 41.6 percentage points above 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 support58.3%

58.3%, 43.5 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan16.7%

16.7%, 10.7 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Youth Challenge Pru

SchoolDistanceOfsted
Park School Teaching Service3 milesOfsted: Good
Forwards Centre3 milesOfsted judgements: Outstanding
Three Towers Alternative Provision Academy7 milesOfsted judgements: Good
Ash Grove School7 milesOfsted: Requires improvement
Shaftesbury High School8 milesOfsted: Good

School details

School type
Academy alternative provision converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
THE BOLTON IMPACT TRUST
Age range
11 to 16
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Miss Victoria Sutton
Address
Smithills Dean Road, Bolton, BL1 6JT
Local authority
Bolton
URN
142758

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.