The Hathershaw College Review 2026: Academic Ambition in a Diverse Community

The Hathershaw College sits in the heart of Oldham, serving a diverse and vibrant community with a clear focus on raising aspirations. As a key member of the Pinnacle Learning Trust, the school benefits from close ties with Oldham Sixth Form College, providing students with a structured pathway into further education. The 2024 GCSE outcomes reflect a solid performance, in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). With a capacity for 1050 students, it remains a popular choice for local families, often seeing significant demand for places in Year 7.

The atmosphere at Bellfield Avenue is purposeful and orderly, characterized by a shared language of respect and responsibility. The school has worked hard to establish itself as an institution where high expectations are the norm for every student. The physical environment is well maintained, with clear signage and modern facilities that support a focused learning environment.

Mr Mark Giles led the college as Principal from 2019 until late 2025, with Mr Rob Logan currently serving as Acting Principal. The school is in a transitional leadership phase, with a new Principal expected to commence in May 2026. Students generally report feeling safe and supported; they speak of a school that celebrates its multicultural identity. The latest inspection findings confirm that behavior is calm and that students show high levels of respect for one another.

The school ranks 2403rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and holds the 11th position among secondary schools in Oldham. These rankings place the college within the "national typical" band, reflecting results that align with the middle tier of schools across England.

In 2024, the average Attainment 8 score was 41, while the percentage of students achieving grades 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) stood at 17.6%. The Progress 8 score of -0.23 suggests that, while academic achievement is steady, there is a continued focus on ensuring students make progress that matches their starting points from primary school. These metrics indicate a stable academic environment where students are encouraged to reach their potential across a broad range of subjects.

Teaching at The Hathershaw College follows a structured format designed to maximize student engagement and retention. Teachers use recap activities at the start of every lesson to reinforce prior knowledge. There is a strong emphasis on literacy across the curriculum, with dedicated reading time built into the school day to support students who may speak English as an additional language.

The curriculum is broad, offering a mix of traditional academic subjects and vocational pathways. Science is a popular choice, supported by well equipped laboratories, while the creative arts departments provide outlets for students interested in drama, music, and design technology. Subject leaders tailor their curriculum to the specific needs of their students, resulting in a learning experience that feels relevant to the local Oldham context.

Where Students Go Next

As a secondary school serving students up to age 16, transition planning is a major priority. The partnership with Oldham Sixth Form College is a significant advantage, with a large proportion of Year 11 leavers progressing directly there for A levels or vocational T levels.

The school employs a dedicated careers advisor who works with students from Year 7 onwards to explore various pathways. This includes hosting annual careers fairs and facilitating visits to local universities. For those not pursuing the traditional A level route, the school maintains strong links with local apprenticeship providers and further education colleges in Greater Manchester.

Admissions are coordinated by Oldham Council. The school is consistently popular, as evidenced by the primary entry route data where there were 401 applications for 199 offers, indicating a subscription proportion of 2.02. This means there are approximately two applications for every available place, making entry competitive.

Parents looking to secure a place should prioritize The Hathershaw College as their first preference. Families can use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates and compare it to local admission trends.

Pastoral care is organized through a year group system, with each year led by a non teaching Year Manager. This structure ensures that there is always a dedicated adult available to handle student concerns without being tied to a teaching timetable. The "Hathershaw Way" underpins all interactions, emphasizing kindness and mutual support.

The school provides access to on site counseling and specialized support groups. For students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the faculty provides tailored interventions, including small group literacy and numeracy support, ensuring that every child can access the full curriculum.

The extracurricular offer is varied and aims to build cultural capital among the student body. Sports are a major pillar of school life, with active football, cricket, and netball teams competing in local Oldham leagues. The school's fitness suite and large sports hall are well utilized during lunchtimes and after school.

Specific clubs such as the Chess Club, Science Club, and the Debate Society allow students to pursue academic interests in a more relaxed setting. The school also participates in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, which is particularly popular among Year 10 and 11 students. Music is well supported through the Hathershaw Band and various choral ensembles.

The school day officially begins at 8:30am, though students are encouraged to arrive at 8:10am for a free breakfast. The school day typically concludes at 2:45pm most days, with a slightly earlier finish at 2:00pm on Tuesdays. Travel is convenient for local families, with several bus routes serving the Hathershaw area.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state funded academy school with no tuition fees. All core curriculum costs are covered by the school. Some optional activities, such as certain extracurricular trips or individual music tuition, may require a parental contribution, though the school provides financial support for students eligible for Pupil Premium.

• Oversubscribed Status: With over two applications for every place, securing a spot can be difficult for families living outside the immediate vicinity. Parents should review current admission trends carefully.
• Transition Period: The school is currently under acting leadership while it undergoes the process of appointing a new Principal for the 2026 academic year.
• Post 16 Move: The school’s 11-16 structure means a mandatory transition at Year 11. While the link with Oldham Sixth Form College is strong, students must be prepared for the move to a new environment.

The Hathershaw College provides a stable, ambitious, and inclusive environment for students in Oldham. It is a school that understands its community and works to provide its students with the academic tools needed for success. Best suited to local families who value a structured environment and a clear pathway toward high quality post 16 education. The main challenge is securing a place in this oversubscribed institution.