Todmorden High School, A SHARE Academy

Todmorden High School, A SHARE Academy, serves the upper Calder Valley as a mixed, 11 to 16 secondary school. Occupying a dramatic site on Ewood Lane where the West Yorkshire hills define the skyline, the school has undergone a significant transformation since becoming an academy in early 2025. With a capacity for 900 students, the school maintains a personal atmosphere that is rare for a growing secondary.

In the 2025 dataset, the school ranks 1st among secondary schools in Todmorden and 2,249th in England overall. Its performance sits around the national middle, reflecting a solid foundation of academic achievement. The school is part of the SHARE Multi Academy Trust, an association that has brought fresh investment and a refined focus on its core values: ambition, respect, care, and honesty.

The atmosphere at Todmorden High is shaped by "The Todmorden Way," a set of principles that emphasize high expectations for conduct and effort. Following its formal academy conversion on 31 March 2025, the school has aligned more closely with the SHARE MAT ethos of "Valuing People, Supporting Personal Best."

Mrs Emily Rawlinson was appointed as the new Headteacher, taking the helm as the school transitioned into its new status. She leads a school that feels revitalized, particularly following a major redevelopment project that has replaced older buildings with modern facilities. The 2024 Ofsted monitoring and parental survey results indicate a school where students feel safe and valued, and where the sense of community is tangible. Beyond the gates, the school acts as a focal point for the town, blending the area’s industrious heritage with a forward-thinking educational approach.

Todmorden High School demonstrates consistent academic performance that exceeds local averages in several key measures. In the 2025 dataset, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 46.0. That sits alongside a positive Progress 8 score and suggests a GCSE profile with a sound academic base.

Progress measures provide a particularly positive picture for parents. The school’s Progress 8 score of +0.08 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points. According to FindMySchool proprietary rankings, the school ranks 2,344th in England for GCSE academic outcomes and 1st locally. Approximately 42.7% of students achieved a grade 5 or above in both English and mathematics GCSEs, a figure the school is actively working to improve through targeted intervention programmes and a redesigned curriculum.

Teaching at Todmorden High is characterized by subject expertise and a clear structure. The curriculum is broad and balanced, ensuring students receive a strong foundation in core subjects while having access to a range of vocational and creative options. In the 2025 dataset, the average EBacc APS score was 3.7, reflecting the school’s commitment to facilitating subjects.

The school employs a consistent pedagogical framework designed to help students retain information effectively. Teachers make good use of the new science laboratories and technology suites to provide practical, hands-on learning experiences. Support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is a priority; approximately 16.6% of the student body receives SEN support, with teachers tailoring their instruction to ensure these students can access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.

Where Students Go Next

As the school does not have its own sixth form, the transition at age 16 is handled with significant care. The school’s 2024 leavers moved on to a variety of post-16 destinations, including Calderdale College in Halifax, Rochdale Sixth Form College, and Burnley College.

A robust careers programme ensures students are well-prepared for life beyond Year 11. The school hosts regular careers fairs and provides one-to-one guidance to help students choose between A-levels, apprenticeships, and vocational training. In recent years, the school has seen an increase in students successfully securing competitive apprenticeships with local engineering and manufacturing firms, building on Todmorden’s historical links to these sectors.

Todmorden High School is a highly sought-after choice for local families. In 2024, the school was oversubscribed, receiving 313 applications for its 180 places. This1.86 applications per place indicates that nearly two families applied for every available seat.

Admissions are coordinated by Calderdale Council. After students with an EHCP naming the school and looked-after children, priority is given to those living within the defined catchment area and siblings of current students. For entry in September 2027, the application deadline is 31 October 2026 and offers are due on 1 March 2027. Parents are encouraged to attend the school’s open events in September to tour the site. Families should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates; distances vary annually based on applicant distribution, proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Todmorden High School does not charge tuition fees. Education is provided free of charge to all enrolled students.

The school receives Pupil Premium funding to support students from lower-income backgrounds, which is used to provide additional academic tutoring, subsidize school trips, and ensure all students have access to the necessary uniform and equipment. For parents of students with high ability but financial need, the school facilitates access to various local educational trusts and bursaries that can help with the costs of extracurricular pursuits or musical instrument hire.

Pastoral care is a strength of the school, managed through a year-based structure. Each year group is overseen by a Year Manager, a non-teaching professional who is available throughout the day to support students with emotional or social difficulties.

The school promotes a culture of "respect and honesty," which is reflected in the calm behaviour observed during lesson transitions. Wellbeing is integrated into the personal development curriculum, covering topics from mental health to online safety. The "Bridge" provides a nurturing space for students who may require a temporary, quieter environment to re-engage with their learning.

Extracurricular life at Todmorden High is diverse and inclusive. The school’s location in the Pennines is utilized for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which is highly popular among students.

STEM Excellence

The STEM curriculum is bolstered by a popular Coding Club and an annual "Science Week" that features visiting industry professionals. Students have access to modern workshops where they can engage in high-level design and technology projects using 3D printing and CAD software.

Sporting fixtures are a regular feature, with the school competing in the Calderdale schools leagues for football, netball, and athletics. The creative arts are also prominent; the school’s annual production is a major event in the local calendar, involving students in performance, set design, and technical management.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm. For students requiring a safe place before school starts, a breakfast club is available from 8:15am.

The school is accessible via several local bus routes and is a 10-minute walk from Todmorden railway station, which connects the town to Manchester and Leeds. For those walking, the school is centrally located but parents should be aware that Ewood Lane can become congested during drop-off and pick-up times; walking or using the local "park and stride" options is recommended.

• Oversubscription: With 1.86 applications for every place, entry is competitive. Families living near the edge of the catchment area should have a realistic backup plan.
• No Sixth Form: The transition at 16 requires students to be independent and prepared for a commute to Halifax, Rochdale, or Burnley for further education.
• Ongoing Redevelopment: While the new multimillion pound wing is complete, some minor site works may continue as the older parts of the campus are repurposed.

Todmorden High School is a school on a clear upward trajectory. The combination of its 2025 academy conversion, new leadership, and brand-new facilities has created a modern learning environment that respects the town's local roots. It best suits students who thrive in a structured, community-focused setting and who want to make strong progress from their starting points. The main challenge for families is securing entry; for those who do, the school offers a balanced and ambitious education at no cost.