2026 Best Secondary Schools in Bolton Area

Schools in the Bolton built-up area. Bolton secondary schools offer extensive choice across a large and diverse town, with 17 schools serving families throughout the borough. Bolton School Girls' Division and Bolton School Boys' Division lead the rankings, while Madrasatul Imam Muhammad Zakariya is the highest-performing state school. With an average Attainment 8 score of 44, Bolton performs close to the England average of 39. Secondary schools have an average FMS Inspection Score of 7.4/10, Good band, compared with England's 7.4/10 (Good). Families across Heaton, Farnworth, Horwich, and Westhoughton have access to both comprehensive and faith-based options, with strong community ties throughout the area. Use the search filters to compare schools by Attainment 8 or FMS Inspection Score.