The Blue Coat CofE School

Semper Quaereamus Virtutem (Let Us Always Seek Virtue) remains the guiding principle of this 190-year-old institution, founded through the philanthropy of local hatter Thomas Henshaw. The Blue Coat CofE School has earned its Outstanding Ofsted rating through a combination of academic rigour, genuine pastoral warmth, and a Christian ethos that permeates school life without excluding those of other faiths. Ranked 692nd in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), the school serves approximately 1,400 students in the main school and 300 in the sixth form. With over seven applications for every Year 7 place, securing entry requires either proximity or demonstrable church commitment. For families who do gain a place, the reward is an education that balances high expectations with a community atmosphere rooted in nearly two centuries of charitable purpose.

The Grade II listed buildings on Egerton Street tell a story that begins in 1834. Designed by architect Richard Lane, whose foundation stone was laid in 1829, the school originally opened to house, feed, and educate 100 poor boys, teaching them a trade alongside their catechism. That charitable mission has evolved into a comprehensive education serving the diverse communities of Oldham, but the Christian foundation remains visible in daily life.

The school operates within the Cranmer Education Trust and maintains its identity as a Church of England voluntary aided school. Chapel services, collective worship, and explicit Christian values shape the culture without creating exclusivity. The ethos emphasises growing together in love, compassion, generosity of spirit, and mutual respect. Students describe feeling safe and happy, and the conduct throughout the school reflects the values that leadership models.

Mr Rob Higgins leads a school that has achieved the rare distinction of maintaining Outstanding status across two full Ofsted inspections. The November 2022 inspection praised the ambitious curriculum that builds deep and secure knowledge over time, and inspectors noted exceptional preparation for subsequent educational stages.

Founder's Day preserves the connection to Thomas Henshaw. Each July, students parade through Oldham town centre to the parish church, commemorating the benefactor who left what would be worth over two million pounds today to establish this school. The Henshaw family were pioneers of Sunday Schools in Lancashire and regular donors to charitable institutions across Manchester. That philanthropic spirit continues through the school's community service requirements and sixth form volunteering programmes.

GCSE Performance

Results place The Blue Coat comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England. The average Attainment 8 score of 56.1 significantly exceeds the England average of 45.9. More telling is the Progress 8 score of +0.5, indicating that students make half a grade more progress per subject than would be expected from their starting points. This value-added measure confirms that the school adds substantial educational benefit regardless of prior attainment.

The school ranks 692nd in England and 2nd in Oldham for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official DfE data). This positioning in the top 15% reflects consistent performance across ability ranges, supported by inclusive practices that benefit all learners including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds.

The English Baccalaureate entry rate of 40.2% with an average EBacc score of 5.21 demonstrates commitment to the traditional academic subjects valued by selective universities. This exceeds the England average EBacc score of 4.08, providing students with strong foundations for sixth form study.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form delivers solid outcomes with 57.6% of grades at A*-B, above the England average of 47.2%. The breakdown shows 8.3% achieving A*, 19.7% at A grade, and 29.6% at B grade. Combined A*/A grades of 28% approach the England average of 23.6%.

At A-level, the school ranks 777th in England and 2nd in Oldham (FindMySchool ranking). This places performance in the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), reflecting a comprehensive sixth form that accepts a wider ability range than highly selective institutions while still achieving creditable outcomes.

Over 30 A-level subjects span the curriculum, including Applied Science, Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology 3D Design, Drama and Theatre, and Economics among the offerings. This breadth ensures students can pursue their academic interests while meeting entry requirements for competitive university courses.

The curriculum design emerged as a particular strength in the Ofsted inspection. Teachers deliver an ambitious programme that successfully builds deep knowledge progressively across key stages. The inclusive approach ensures all learners access the full curriculum, with differentiated support enabling students with SEND to achieve alongside their peers.

Classroom practice follows clear structures. Teachers have high expectations, and students respond to the culture of academic ambition. The inspection found exceptional preparation for subsequent educational stages, whether that means sixth form, university, or employment.

The House System creates smaller communities within the larger school, supporting academic mentoring alongside pastoral care. Students belong to a house throughout their time at Blue Coat, providing continuity and competition that enhances school life.

In the 2023/24 cohort of 209 leavers, 64% progressed to university. This represents strong progression given the comprehensive intake. The remaining destinations show healthy diversity: 9% entered apprenticeships, 16% moved directly into employment, and 1% continued in further education.

The Oxbridge pipeline demonstrates that academic excellence is achievable from this state school setting. Eleven students applied to Oxford or Cambridge in the measurement period, securing 5 offers with 4 ultimately accepting places. This conversion rate of 45% offers to applicants compares favourably with many independent schools, and the 80% acceptance rate among those receiving offers shows genuine interest matched with ability.

Oxford proved particularly popular, with 9 applications yielding 4 offers and 3 acceptances. Cambridge received 2 applications with 1 student successfully gaining a place. The school ranks 244th in England for combined Oxbridge outcomes, and 153rd specifically for Oxford admissions (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it among the leading state schools for elite university access.

The sixth form actively supports competitive applications through its Oxbridge Access Pathway and partnership with the New College Oxford Step-Up Programme. Additional specialist pathways cover Law and Business careers, while the Unifrog platform and dedicated Futures Exhibition help students explore the full range of post-18 options including apprenticeships with regional employers.

The Blue Coat Sixth Form operates with its own identity and dedicated facilities at the same Egerton Street campus. Entry requires a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9-5 including grade 5 in English (Language or Literature) and Mathematics. Students wishing to study particular A-levels need at least grade 6 in those subjects, with an additional grade 6 in Mathematics required for those taking multiple sciences.

Applications for September 2026 entry open on 22 October 2025 and close on 19 December 2025. The Sixth Form Open Evening on 22 October 2025, running from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, offers the opportunity to explore the campus, meet teachers and current students, and learn about specialist pathways. Talks from the Headteacher and Director of Sixth Form run at 6:15pm and 7:00pm.

The VESPA programme develops study skills and metacognitive strategies that support A-level success. The Blues Award requires Year 12 students to complete 24 hours of voluntary service, continuing the charitable tradition established by Thomas Henshaw.

Year 7 entry is coordinated through Oldham Council as part of the standard secondary admissions process, but the school's voluntary aided status means faith criteria apply through a supplementary information form.

Demand is substantial. With 1,605 applications for 227 places in the most recent published data, the subscription ratio of 7.07 applicants per place makes this one of the most sought-after schools in Greater Manchester. The ratio of first preferences to first preference offers stands at 2.69, meaning for every place offered to a first-choice applicant, nearly three families named Blue Coat as their preferred school.

The admissions policy does not prioritise children from other Cranmer Education Trust schools, following National Admissions Code requirements. After looked-after children and those with EHCPs naming the school, faith-based criteria determine priority. The supplementary form requires evidence of church attendance, though the policy acknowledges the COVID-19 period from March 2020 to October 2021 when church attendance could not be counted.

Families without faith connections face extremely competitive entry based on distance or other criteria. Those considering the school should check the full admissions policy for their entry year, available from the school website or Oldham Council. The admissions round for September 2027 entry opens on 1 August 2026.

The Christian ethos translates into genuine pastoral support. Students describe feeling safe, and the Ofsted inspection confirmed that safeguarding protocols effectively address concerns including bullying incidents when they arise.

The House System provides vertical tutor groups where older students support younger ones. This structure creates mentoring relationships that extend beyond the academic. Sixth formers undertaking their Blues Award hours often contribute to House activities, reinforcing the community bonds.

For students requiring additional support, the school holds the Achievement for All recognition for SEND provision. The inclusive approach means differentiated support without withdrawal from the mainstream curriculum wherever possible. The SENCO coordinates interventions while class teachers maintain responsibility for all their students.

The sixth form provides dedicated pastoral care and wellbeing services, recognising that the transition to A-level study brings particular pressures. The 16-19 Bursary is available for eligible students facing financial barriers to continuing education.

Music and Performance

The Music and Band programme represents a significant feature of school life. Ensemble opportunities extend beyond the curriculum, with regular performances marking the school calendar. Music tuition is available for students wishing to develop instrumental skills.

Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh Award runs at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Expeditions take students beyond the classroom into challenge and teamwork. This programme feeds naturally into the sixth form Blues Award requirement for community service hours.

Enrichment and Trips

The enrichment calendar includes domestic and international trips. Sixth form students have opportunities including visits to Belgium and partnership activities with New College Oxford. Clubs and activities run throughout the week, though specific club details should be confirmed with the school.

Young Enterprise

The sixth form participates in Young Enterprise, providing practical experience of business planning and operation. Combined with the specialist Business pathway, this creates coherent preparation for commercial careers.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:20pm, with an early finish at 2:05pm on alternate Wednesdays during Q weeks. Average compulsory weekly hours total 32.7.

The school operates cashless catering with biometric payment systems. Allergen information is available for those with dietary requirements. Free school meal eligibility can be checked through the school.

Public transport connections serve the Oldham town centre location well. Transport for Greater Manchester provides dedicated school transport information, and bus timetables are published on the school website. For visitors, Rock Street Pay and Display car park near the Oldham Coliseum Theatre offers parking a short walk from the school gates.

Communication with families operates through Edulink One, providing a single platform for attendance, progress, and messages.

Extremely competitive admissions. With over seven applications per place and faith criteria determining much of the allocation, families without church connections face limited chances. Even committed churchgoers should verify they meet the supplementary form requirements before assuming a place.

Town centre location. The Egerton Street site sits in Oldham town centre rather than a residential area. While public transport links are good, this differs from the suburban settings many parents might expect.

Church of England character is genuine. The Christian ethos shapes daily life through worship, values, and community service requirements. Families should be comfortable with this religious dimension rather than viewing it solely as an admissions advantage.

Comprehensive sixth form outcomes. While Oxbridge success demonstrates elite potential, the A-level grade profile reflects a sixth form that accepts a broader range than highly selective institutions. Parents expecting selective school results from a comprehensive intake should calibrate expectations accordingly.

The Blue Coat CofE School delivers strong academic outcomes within a Christian community that traces its purpose back 190 years to the charitable vision of Thomas Henshaw. The Outstanding Ofsted rating reflects genuine quality across all areas, from curriculum ambition to pastoral care. The Oxbridge pipeline proves that state school students from Oldham can compete for the most selective university places. The main challenge is securing entry: with seven applicants for every place, most families who would benefit from this school will not gain admission. Best suited to families in Oldham with demonstrable Church of England connections who want strong academic outcomes within a values-driven community. For those who gain a place, the education honours the founder's vision while preparing students thoroughly for modern challenges.