Saddleworth School Review 2026: Modern Facilities in a Rural Heartland

Set against the dramatic scenery of the Pennines, Saddleworth School has undergone a complete physical transformation. In 2022, the school vacated its aging Uppermill site to move into a purpose-built, £27 million campus in the village of Diggle. This state-of-the-art facility provides over 1,400 students with an environment that finally matches the school's long-standing status as a community hub for the surrounding villages.

The school serves a sprawling catchment area in Oldham, where rural tradition meets modern ambition. Under the leadership of Mr Mike Anderson, who took the helm in September 2020, the school is currently navigating a period of intensive refinement. While the move to the new site has been a logistical success, the school is working to embed a more rigorous curriculum following its most recent inspection. Performance remains solid, with the school ranking 5th out of 25 secondary schools in Oldham, placing it in the top 20% locally and comfortably within the middle tier of schools in England.

The atmosphere at Saddleworth is defined by a strong sense of local identity and a fresh start. The four-storey main building is designed with light-filled corridors and expansive views of the hills, creating a professional yet welcoming aesthetic. This modern feel is balanced by the school's commitment to its heritage. The transition to the Diggle site was carefully managed to ensure the school's "Home Base" system was preserved, creating smaller, supportive communities within the larger student body.

Students describe the school as purposeful and friendly. The move to the new campus has provided a significant boost to morale, with specialized spaces for science, technology, and the arts that were previously unavailable. Mr Anderson, who previously served as a deputy head in the local area, is a visible and well-regarded leader who has focused on stabilizing the school's culture following the disruption of the pandemic and the physical relocation.

Academic performance at Saddleworth is consistent and competitive within the Oldham context. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 49.3 (average grade over 8 subjects), which is a credible performance that exceeds several local alternatives. The percentage of students achieving a grade 5 or above in English and mathematics sits at 53.2%, while nearly 75% achieve a grade 4 or above in both subjects.

Ranked 1,313th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in the national typical band (25th to 60th percentile). Within Oldham, its position as the 5th highest performing school makes it a primary choice for families seeking a non-selective, high-achieving environment. The Progress 8 score of -0.01 indicates that students make progress exactly in line with national expectations from their various starting points at age 11.

The move to the Diggle campus has revolutionized the delivery of the curriculum. The school has prioritized STEM through a series of specialist laboratories and technology suites designed for industrial-level practical work. The curriculum is broad, with a clear focus on the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) pathway; 43.6% of students were entered for the EBacc in 2024.

Teaching is undergoing a phase of consolidation. While the facilities are world-class, the school is currently working to fully embed new curriculums across all subject areas. According to the 2024 Ofsted report, which rated the school as Requires Improvement, leaders are working urgently to remedy historical gaps in learning and ensure that the foundations of knowledge are consistently solid across the board. This improvement strategy is a central priority for the current leadership team.

Where Students Go Next

As an 11 to 16 school, the transition at the end of Year 11 is a significant milestone. There is no internal sixth form, which fosters an environment where students are encouraged to be independent and forward-looking. The vast majority of students progress to established post-16 providers such as Oldham Sixth Form College or Blue Coat Sixth Form.

The school's careers programme is robust, utilizing its new careers hub to provide drop-in sessions for advice on apprenticeships and college pathways. Strong links with local businesses in Greater Manchester mean that students are well-informed about vocational routes as well as academic ones. Year 10 work experience remains a cornerstone of the leavers' journey, with students expected to undertake a five-day placement to mirror the reality of entering the workforce.

Securing a place at Saddleworth has become increasingly difficult since the move to the new campus. In the last measurement period, the school was significantly oversubscribed, receiving 532 applications for its 280 available Year 7 places. This subscription proportion of 1.81 reflects a high level of demand from local families.

Admissions are managed by Oldham Council. Priority is given to looked-after children and siblings, followed by those living within the geographical catchment. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates in Diggle. Proximity is the deciding factor for most families, and the school's popularity means that those outside the immediate catchment often face a challenge in securing a place.

The "Home Base" system is the school's greatest pastoral asset. Each year group has its own designated area and a non-teaching pastoral leader, ensuring that support is available throughout the day without waiting for a teacher's break. This structure is effective in helping students navigate the transition from small village primary schools to a large secondary setting.

Wellbeing is integrated into daily life through a clear "Ready to Learn" policy. The school also hosts the PRISMS club, a safe space for students to discuss LGBTQIA+ issues and promote inclusivity. While the 2024 inspection noted that some aspects of personal development and behaviour required further consistency, the school has been praised for its proactive stance on safeguarding and its commitment to student safety.

Extracurricular life flourishes in the new site's expansive facilities. The sports offering is extensive, featuring football, rugby, cricket, and trampolining. The MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) and the large sports hall allow for year-round competition. Music remains a major pillar of school life, with "Rock Club" on Fridays and various ensembles that perform at the school's annual showcase events.

Specialist clubs cater to a wide range of interests, including Chess Club, Gardening Club, and a dedicated Debate Club. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is highly popular, with students utilizing the surrounding Pennine landscape for their expeditions. The "Active Travel Ambassadors" programme also gives students a voice in developing sustainable transport plans for the school community.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. Following the move to Diggle, the school has implemented a comprehensive transport plan with dedicated bus routes serving the Saddleworth villages. For those traveling by car, there are designated drop-off points to avoid congestion in the village. Information regarding breakfast clubs and after-school care is updated annually; currently, the school offers a wide menu of extracurricular clubs that run until 4:15pm, though parents should contact the school directly for specific wraparound care details.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy within the Cranmer Education Trust, Saddleworth School does not charge tuition fees. Education is funded by the Department for Education, and the school receives additional Pupil Premium funding for eligible students. Currently, this includes £1,035 per year for students eligible for free school meals and £2,530 for children who have previously been in care (Pupil Premium Plus). This funding is used to provide targeted academic support, resources, and emotional wellbeing services. Families are encouraged to register for free school meals to ensure the school receives this additional investment in their child's education.

• Intense Competition for Places: With nearly two applications for every available place, securing a spot is the primary hurdle for local families.
• Ongoing Improvement Journey: The 2024 Ofsted rating of Requires Improvement indicates that while the facilities are exceptional, the school is still working to raise the consistency of its academic outcomes.
• Transition at 16: The lack of an on-site sixth form means a mandatory move for all students at age 16. While this encourages independence, families must be prepared for the college application process in Year 11.
• Rural Transport: The Diggle location is beautiful but requires careful planning for travel, especially for families living in the further villages of the Saddleworth catchment.

Saddleworth School is an institution in a state of positive evolution. The move to the Diggle campus has provided a world-class physical foundation that is now being matched by a rigorous strategy for academic improvement. It remains the educational heart of its community, offering a broad and inclusive experience that is deeply rooted in local tradition. Best suited to academically capable students who will thrive in a large, modern environment and take advantage of the superb STEM and sporting facilities. The main challenge lies in securing admission; for those who do, the school offers a vibrant and well-supported path through secondary education.