Alder Grange School Review 2026: Community and Opportunity in Rossendale

Sitting in the heart of the Rossendale Valley, Alder Grange School defines itself not merely by examination statistics but by its role as a community hub. Known locally for its distinct "ag6" sixth form and a culture of inclusivity, the school operates under the motto "Achievement for All". While academic metrics present a mixed picture compared to national benchmarks, the school remains heavily oversubscribed, a testament to its strong local reputation and the value parents place on its pastoral ethos.

The campus on Calder Road is a blend of the functional and the modern. The site has seen significant investment over the last decade, most notably the £8 million development of the ag6 sixth form centre, which lends a collegiate feel to the upper school experience. The atmosphere is bustling but purposeful.

Mrs Joanna Griffiths has led the school since 2019. Her leadership focuses on maintaining the school’s "family feel" (a phrase often used by staff and students alike) while navigating the challenges of a modern comprehensive intake. The ethos is rooted in distinct values: Resilience, Kindness, and Tolerance. These are not abstract concepts but are woven into the daily "Alder Grange Way", a behaviour framework that prioritises mutual respect.

The student body is diverse in ability and background, reflecting the wider Rossendale community. Unlike the silent corridors of some academic hothouses, Alder Grange feels vibrant. It is a school where the sound of music practice or sports coaching is as common as the quiet of the library.

In 2024, the school’s academic performance reflected the breadth of its intake rather than elite selection. The Progress 8 score of -0.32 indicates that pupils make progress slightly below the England average from their starting points.

Ranked 3,293rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in the "national lower" band. Attainment 8 scores stood at 40.3, below the England average of 46.2. However, these headline figures mask pockets of strength, particularly in vocational subjects where the school has historically invested heavily. The percentage of pupils achieving Grade 5 or above in English and Maths often aligns closer to local averages than the raw data suggests.

It is important for parents to view these results through the lens of the school's inclusive admissions policy. Alder Grange does not filter for academic ability, and the "value-added" in terms of personal development often outweighs the raw grade data for local families.

The curriculum is designed to be broad rather than purely academic. Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) follows the National Curriculum with a healthy dose of creative arts and technology. The school resists the trend of narrowing options too early, allowing students to experience a wide range of disciplines before selecting GCSEs.

In Key Stage 4, the "Achievement for All" motto becomes practical. The pathways model allows students to mix traditional GCSEs (such as History, Geography, and Triple Science) with vocational qualifications (BTECs/Cambridge Nationals). This flexibility is a key strength. Teaching quality is generally good, with staff often praised for their ability to support students with diverse learning needs.

Support for Special Educational Needs (SEN) is well-regarded. The Learning Support Department operates as a central hub, ensuring that students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are fully integrated into mainstream lessons where appropriate.

The sixth form, branded as "ag6", is a defining feature of the school. Housed in its own dedicated facility, it offers a distinct bridge between school and university or employment.

Academic results at A-level trail national averages significantly. In 2024, 13.79% of grades were A*-B, placing the provider in the national lower band for academic attainment (ranked 2,446th in England). However, judging ag6 solely on A-level grades misses its primary function. The centre excels in vocational Level 3 qualifications, which are not captured in the A-level specific metrics.

The focus here is on employability and professional skills. Students in ag6 wear business dress and enjoy a level of independence that mimics a professional workplace.

The destinations data highlights the school’s strength in vocational preparation. In 2024, 14% of leavers secured apprenticeships, a figure significantly higher than the national average, reflecting strong links with local industry and a pragmatic approach to careers advice.

43% of leavers progressed to university. While the number of students securing places at Russell Group or Oxbridge institutions is modest compared to selective grammar schools, the school successfully supports students into specific professional pathways, particularly in nursing, teaching, and applied sciences. 18% of students moved directly into employment, well-prepared by the school’s focus on soft skills and work readiness.

Admission to Alder Grange is coordinated by Lancashire County Council and is fiercely competitive. Despite the academic data, the school is consistently oversubscribed.

In the most recent intake, the school received 511 applications for just 145 places. This subscription proportion of 3.5 applications per place makes it one of the most sought-after schools in Rossendale.

The oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children and those with siblings already at the school. Following this, geographical proximity is the deciding factor. Families living outside the immediate Rawtenstall locality often find it difficult to secure a place without sibling priority.

Pastoral care is the engine room of Alder Grange. The school operates a Year Group system rather than vertical houses, with Achievement Leaders (Heads of Year) staying with their cohort as they move up the school. This ensures continuity of care; the staff member dealing with a Year 11 exam stress issue is often the same one who helped them settle in Year 7.

The "Hub" provides a sanctuary for vulnerable students, offering emotional support and a quiet space away from the main school bustle. Anti-bullying initiatives are student-led, with older students trained as mentors for younger peers. The school’s reputation for care is a primary driver of its popularity.

The extracurricular offer is robust, particularly in sport and the arts. The sports facilities, including a 3G pitch and sports hall, support a wide range of teams. Football, netball, and basketball teams compete regularly in Rossendale and Lancashire competitions.

The arts are a genuine pillar of school life. The annual school production is a major community event, involving a significant portion of the student body in roles ranging from performance to lighting and stage management. Music tuition is available for a variety of instruments, and the school choir performs locally.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is well-established, with high participation rates at Bronze and Silver levels. Trips are frequent and varied, ranging from Geography field trips in the Lake District to ski trips and visits to European cities, ensuring students look beyond the valley.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents should, however, budget for costs associated with school uniforms, sports kits, and optional trips. Families on lower incomes may be eligible for support with these costs, as well as free school meals.

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:05pm. Situated on Calder Road, the school is well-served by local bus routes connecting Rawtenstall, Bacup, and Haslingden. The "Valley Centitrek" bus route is particularly popular for students travelling from slightly further afield. Uniform is strictly enforced, consisting of a black blazer with the school badge, white shirt, and house tie.

Academic outcomes vs. popularity. There is a divergence between the school’s "national lower" academic ranking and its high demand. Parents prioritizing top-tier A-level grades or Russell Group entry may find the data concerning compared to selective alternatives.

Entry is difficult. With over three applicants for every place, securing entry is the primary hurdle. Families living more than a mile or two away without sibling links face a statistically low chance of admission.

Vocational bias. The sixth form (ag6) is heavily weighted towards vocational excellence. Students seeking a purely traditional academic A-level experience with a large cohort of high-achieving peers might find the environment less focused on their specific needs than a dedicated academic sixth form college.

Alder Grange School is a cornerstone of the Rossendale community, valuing inclusivity and character as highly as grades. While its examination results lag behind national averages, its exceptional apprenticeship figures and pastoral reputation explain its immense popularity. Best suited to local families who value a supportive, well-rounded environment where vocational and academic pathways are given equal respect. The main challenge is securing a place.