Burscough Priory Academy Review 2026: Solid Performance and Community Focus

Burscough Priory Academy serves as a cornerstone of the Burscough community, positioned on the leafy outskirts of Ormskirk. This co-educational secondary school, catering to students aged 11 to 16, has successfully transitioned through a period of significant change after joining the Endeavour Learning Trust in 2018. Current data reflects a school that is comfortable in its skin, delivering a solid performance that aligns with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). With a capacity of 770 students, it maintains a size that allows for a personal touch, ensuring that individuals are not lost in the crowd.

The atmosphere at Burscough Priory is purposeful and calm, reflecting the academy's core values of Evolve, Thrive, and Serve. Since Lucy MacLaren was appointed Headteacher in November 2022 (having previously served as Head of School since 2020), the school has focused on creating an environment where high expectations for behaviour are balanced with strong pastoral support. The physical setting on Trevor Road provides a sense of space, with well-maintained grounds that offer students room for both sport and relaxation.

As part of the Endeavour Learning Trust, the academy benefits from shared expertise and a curriculum model that emphasises both academic ambition and personal growth. The school culture is one of steady improvement, where students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning. While the school does not have a religious character, it promotes a clear ethical framework centred on mutual respect and community service.

The 2024 GCSE results tell a story of consistent and reliable achievement. Burscough Priory Academy ranks 2,230th in England for GCSE outcomes according to FindMySchool rankings. Locally, it ranks 3rd among secondaries in the Ormskirk area, placing it in a strong position within its immediate context.

The Attainment 8 score of 47.2 is slightly above the England average, indicating that students generally achieve well across a broad range of subjects. More importantly, the Progress 8 score of +0.23 shows that students make above-average progress from their starting points at the end of primary school. This value-added metric is a key indicator of the quality of teaching and support provided throughout the five years of secondary education. While the percentage of pupils achieving Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) sits at 6.7%, the average EBacc APS score of 4.12 is in line with the England average of 4.08, suggesting a balanced approach to the Ebacc subjects of English, mathematics, sciences, history or geography, and a language.

The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced, ensuring that students have access to a wide variety of subjects before specializing for their GCSEs. In the lower years, there is a significant focus on developing core literacy and numeracy skills, which provides the foundation for more advanced study. Teachers are subject specialists who are encouraged to use evidence-based pedagogical techniques to ensure that information is retained and applied.

The school has invested in digital technology to support learning, with a growing emphasis on independent study skills. This preparation is particularly evident in the run-up to Year 11, where structured revision sessions and mock examinations help students manage the pressure of the GCSE period. The academy also provides targeted support for students with special educational needs, ensuring that the curriculum is accessible to all.

Where Students Go Next

As an 11 to 16 school, the transition at the end of Year 11 is a critical milestone. The academy works closely with local post-16 providers, including Runshaw College, West Lancashire College, and Ormskirk Sixth Form College, to ensure that students are well-informed about their options. Careers education is integrated into school life from Year 7, with a dedicated careers advisor providing one-to-one guidance.

While the school does not have its own sixth form, the strong GCSE results and the +0.23 Progress 8 score ensure that the majority of students successfully transition into their first-choice colleges or apprenticeships. The academy's link with the Endeavour Learning Trust also provides pathways for students looking to move into specific vocational or academic routes offered across the trust's wider network.

Burscough Priory Academy is a popular choice for local families. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school was oversubscribed, with 347 applications for 153 places. This represents a subscription proportion of 2.27 applications for every available place, highlighting the high demand within the local area.

Admissions are coordinated by Lancashire County Council. Priority is given to looked-after children, siblings of current students, and those living closest to the school. Parents interested in securing a place should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous admission trends.

Pastoral care is organized through a year-based system, with each year group supported by a Year Leader and a team of tutors. This structure ensures that there is a consistent point of contact for both students and parents. The academy places a high priority on mental health and wellbeing, with staff trained to identify and support students who may be struggling.

The "Burscough Way" defines the expectations for behaviour, which is based on being ready, respectful, and safe. This clear framework helps to create a stable environment where students feel secure. The school also employs a range of intervention strategies, from peer mentoring to professional counselling services, to ensure that pastoral support is tailored to individual needs.

The extracurricular offer at Burscough Priory is varied and well-attended. Sport is a major pillar of school life, with students participating in local and regional competitions in football, netball, rugby, and athletics. The academy's facilities, including the sports hall and outdoor pitches, are used extensively both during and after the school day.

The creative arts are also well-represented, with regular drama productions and musical performances that showcase student talent. Specialist clubs provide opportunities for students to pursue specific interests and develop new skills. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme is popular, encouraging students to develop resilience and leadership through outdoor expeditions and community volunteering.

The school day begins at 8:45am and concludes at 3:05pm. For students requiring transport, several local bus routes serve the Trevor Road area, and the school is within walking distance for many families in Burscough. There is no on-site wraparound care such as a breakfast club, so parents should contact the school directly for the most current information regarding local providers or informal arrangements.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state school with no tuition fees. As an academy, it is publicly funded and open to all students within the local community regardless of financial background. Costs for parents are typically limited to school uniform, optional educational trips, and specific extracurricular materials. Support for these costs, including free school meals and pupil premium funding, is available for eligible families.

• Oversubscription: With 2.27 applications per place, the school is significantly oversubscribed. Families living outside the immediate vicinity of Burscough may find it challenging to secure a place during the initial allocation.
• No Sixth Form: The 11 to 16 nature of the school means students must prepare for a move to a new environment at the age of 16. While the school provides excellent transition support, this change requires planning from students.
• Typical National Performance: While the school performs well locally, its national ranking in the middle 35% indicates a solid rather than elite academic profile. Families seeking a more high-pressure academic environment may wish to compare results with selective grammar schools in neighbouring districts.

Burscough Priory Academy is a reliable and high-performing community school that has thrived under its current leadership and trust membership. It offers a balanced education that prioritises student progress and wellbeing in equal measure. Best suited to local families who want a school with a strong sense of community and a proven track record of helping students exceed their expected progress. The main challenge is the high level of competition for places.