Haslingden High School and Sixth Form Review 2026: Achievement for All

Sitting high in the Rossendale Valley, Haslingden High School and Sixth Form serves as a central hub for the local community. With nearly 1,500 students, this is a large, busy school that manages to maintain a distinct sense of individual care. The school motto, Achievement for All, drives an ethos where academic success sits alongside personal development. Demand for places is high, with the school consistently receiving more than two applications for every Year 7 spot.

The campus on Broadway is extensive, combining original blocks with modern additions like the dedicated Sixth Form Centre and Sports Centre. At drop-off, the atmosphere is purposeful. Students in their navy blazers move quickly through the site, which offers impressive views of the surrounding Lancashire hills.

Mr Russell Clarke has led the school since September 2021, having previously served as Deputy Head. His leadership focuses on maintaining high standards of behaviour and ensuring the curriculum remains broad. The school operates a House system which breaks the large student body into smaller, supportive communities. This structure ensures that despite the school's size, students have a clear sense of belonging and competition.

The environment is active. The on-site sports facilities, including a swimming pool and climbing wall, are heavily used both during and after school, reinforcing a culture where physical health is valued alongside mental agility.

In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of -0.13, indicating that students make progress broadly in line with expectations from their starting points. The average Attainment 8 score was 44.6.

Haslingden High School ranks 2,651st in England and 2nd in Rossendale for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This performance places the school in the national typical band, reflecting solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England.

At A-level, results show a similar picture. The school ranks 1,660th in England and 2nd in Rossendale for A-level outcomes. In 2024, 45% of grades were A*-B. While the percentage of top grades (A*-A) at 13.8% is below the England average of 23.6%, the school maintains a broad intake and supports students onto diverse pathways.

The curriculum is designed to be inclusive and ambitious. In the lower years, students follow a broad range of subjects before selecting options for GCSE. The school resists narrowing the curriculum too early, ensuring students retain access to arts, languages, and humanities.

Teaching is structured and supportive. Staff focus on building long-term knowledge retention, and there is a clear emphasis on literacy across all subjects. The Sixth Form offer is extensive, providing both A-level and vocational BTEC qualifications, allowing students to mix and match according to their strengths.

Destinations data highlights the diverse routes students take. In 2024, 38% of leavers progressed to university, while a significant 34% moved directly into employment, and 6% started apprenticeships.

For the most academic students, the pathway to elite institutions is open. In the 2024 cycle, one student secured a place at the University of Cambridge. The school supports these aspirations through its 'Aspire' programme, which guides high-attaining students through the competitive university application process.

Admission to Year 7 is coordinated by Lancashire County Council. Haslingden High School is a popular choice and is regularly oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 685 applications for just 272 places, a subscription ratio of 2.5 applications per offer.

Entry is non-selective. When oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, siblings of current students, and then those living geographically nearest to the school. Families living outside the immediate area should check historical distance data carefully, as proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Admissions to the Sixth Form are handled directly by the school. External applicants are welcome and must meet specific GCSE grade requirements depending on the courses chosen.

Pastoral care is organised through the House system, providing a vertical structure where younger students can look up to older peers. Form tutors act as the first point of contact for families.

The school takes mental health seriously, with a dedicated pastoral team that includes non-teaching staff who are available throughout the day. This ensures that students needing emotional support can access it without disrupting their academic timetable.

The extracurricular programme is a defining strength. The Music department is particularly vibrant, with the Brass Band performing regularly at local and regional events. The school shows include large-scale productions that involve hundreds of students in cast and crew roles.

Sport is central to school life. The facilities enable a wide range of clubs, from traditional netball and football teams to climbing on the indoor wall and trampolining.

Trips are frequent and varied. In recent years, students have had the opportunity to visit Iceland for Geography, New York for Business and Media, and the battlefields of Europe for History. Locally, the Eco Club works on sustainability projects within the school grounds, and the Science Animal Club remains a popular lunchtime destination.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:05pm. Situated on Broadway, the school is well-served by local bus routes connecting to Rawtenstall, Helmshore, and surrounding villages. Parents are encouraged to use public transport or designated drop-off points to relieve congestion on the main road.

Size and scale. With nearly 1,500 students, the school is large. While the House system mitigates this, quieter students will need to navigate a busy environment.

Competition for places. With 2.5 applications for every Year 7 seat, entry is fiercely competitive. Families outside the immediate catchment should have a realistic backup plan.

Mixed ability intake. As a comprehensive school, classes in lower years may contain a wide range of abilities. High-flying students will need to be self-motivated to push for the very top grades.

Haslingden High School offers a robust, well-rounded education that serves its community well. It balances solid academic results with a genuine commitment to sport, arts, and personal growth. Best suited to local families who want a vibrant, large comprehensive where their child can pursue both academic and vocational pathways. The main challenge is securing a place.