Is Thornleigh Salesian College a good school?

Ofsted inspected the school on 22 October 2024 and graded each area separately, with quality of education judged Requires improvement. On the FindGreatSchools composite score it is graded D, 15th of 20 secondary schools in Bolton. The profile sets out the figures behind both.

What are Thornleigh Salesian College's GCSE results?

In the 2026 GCSEs, pupils at Thornleigh Salesian College averaged an Attainment 8 score of 43 (England: 46.2). 37% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths.

How do I apply for a place at Thornleigh Salesian College?

Applications for Year 7 places at Thornleigh Salesian College starting in September 2027 close on 31 October 2026. You apply through the council where you live, even for a school in another area, and offers are made on National Offer Day, 1 March 2027 (or the next working day).

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Thornleigh Salesian College

Sharples Park, Astley Bridge, Bolton, BL1 6PQ

Local ranking15th of 20 secondary schools in Bolton

Ofsted: GoodUpdated

Secondary

Phase

1650

Capacity

11-18

Age range

Mixed

Gender

Latest data: 2026 GCSEs · 2025 A-levels · Ofsted inspection 22 October 2024. Figures last updated 15 October 2026.

Ofsted Inspection

Inspected 22 October 2024 — from September 2024 Ofsted no longer gave an overall grade, but each area below was judged in full

View on Ofsted

Safeguarding standards Met

Quality of education: Requires improvement
Behaviour & attitudes: Good
Personal development: Good
Leadership & management: Requires improvement
Sixth form provision: Good

Scale: Outstanding · Good · Requires improvement · Inadequate

Year:

GCSE Results

2025-26

Average Attainment 8: 43.0 nat46.2
Grade 5+ Eng & Maths: 37.0% nat46.3%
Grade 4+ Eng & Maths: 56.5% nat64.8%
Cohort Size: 262

Destinations

After GCSE 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 93.0%
Continued in education: 86.0%
Apprenticeships: 4.0%
Employment: 3.0%
Not sustained: 5.0%

After A-Levels 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 82.0%
Higher education: 36.0%
Apprenticeships: 9.0%
Employment: 26.0%
Not sustained: 13.0%

A-Level Results

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

B-

Avg A-Level Grade

36.3

Avg Points/Entry

nat 35.0

37.2

Best 3 A-Levels

nat 35.8

A-Level Students

AAB+ with Facilitating: 13.5% nat17.5%
Applied General Avg Points: 33.0
16-18 Cohort: 225

Pupil Demographics

2024-25

Total Pupils: 1576
Boys: 736 (47%)
Girls: 838 (53%)
Capacity: 1650 (95% full)
SEND: 15.0%
FSM Eligible: 29.6%
EAL: 9.8%
SEN with EHC Plan: 2.2%
SEN Support: 12.8%
Pupil:Teacher Ratio: 14.6:1
Teachers (FTE): 107.8
Budget per Pupil: £7,363/yr

Attendance & Absence

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

Overall Absence Rate: 8.5% nat6.2%
Persistent Absence: 24.0% nat15.8%

Persistent absence: pupils missing 10%+ of sessions.

School Information

Type: Voluntary aided school
Phase: Secondary
Religious Character: Roman Catholic
Nursery: No Nursery Classes
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Boarders: No boarders
Admissions: Non-selective

Pupil Ethnicity

2024-25

White British: 72.2%
White Other: 7.3%
Asian Indian: 4.9%
Black African: 4.1%
Asian Pakistani: 3.4%
Mixed White & Asian: 1.6%
Mixed Other: 1.3%
Other: 1.2%

72.2%

White British

7.3%

White Other

4.9%

Asian Indian

Historical Trends

GCSE Performance

Pupil Demographics

Attendance & Absence

Contact & Location

01204301351

contact@thornleigh.bolton.sch.uk

Visit website

Sharples Park

Bolton, North West

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Administrative

URN: 105264
UKPRN: 10006897
Establishment No.: 4612

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