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 2024, the school ranked 1st among secondary schools in Todmorden (FindMySchool proprietary ranking). Its performance sit comfortably within the middle 35% of schools in England (national typical band), 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 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 45.1. While this sits slightly below the Calderdale local authority average of 47.9, it is broadly in line with the England average of 45.9.
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 2,709th in England for GCSE outcomes, placing it in the top tier locally. Approximately 34.7% 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.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
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% of students achieving grades 9-7
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 2024, the average EBacc APS score was 3.61, 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.
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. This subscription proportion of 1.86 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 2026, the application deadline is 31 October 2025. 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.
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.
Applications
313
Total received
Places Offered
168
Subscription Rate
1.9x
Apps per place
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Todmorden High School is a Good school that consistently performs well compared to other schools in the region. It ranks 1st in the Todmorden area and has a positive Progress 8 score of +0.08, indicating that students achieve more than expected based on their primary school results.
As a state-funded academy, there are no tuition fees for attending Todmorden High School. It is free for all students.
While there is no fixed "catchment boundary," the school prioritizes students living in the defined Todmorden priority area. In oversubscribed years, distance from the school gate is the deciding factor. Families should check local authority data for the last distance offered in 2025 to gauge their chances.
No, Todmorden High School provides education for students aged 11 to 16. After Year 11, students typically transition to colleges or sixth forms in neighbouring towns like Rochdale or Halifax.
The deadline for Year 7 applications for September 2026 entry is 31 October 2025. Applications are made through the Calderdale Council admissions portal.
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