SchoolScoresQueen Elizabeth's Grammar School
Free school · Secondary, ages 11 to 19 · Mixed · Sixth form
Part of QEGS BLACKBURN ACADEMY TRUST
West Park Road, Blackburn, BB2 6DF
01254 686300 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 25 September 2019.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Early years | Outstanding |
| Sixth form | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Since then, a shorter ungraded inspection on 5 March 2025: Ofsted found some aspects were not as strong as at the last graded inspection.
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
48 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025.
Blackburn comparisons use the 4 of its 10 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 6 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Blackburn | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Blackburn. Higher than 11% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 63% | 79% | 89% |
| My child feels safe at this school 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Blackburn. Higher than 6% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 56% | 82% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Blackburn. Higher than 10% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 48% | 79% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 29 parents whose child had been bullied 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Blackburn. Higher than 7% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 28% | 48% | 51% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 42 parents who had raised a concern 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Blackburn. Higher than 14% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 50% | 69% | 76% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Blackburn. Higher than 7% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 44%said yes | 73% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 5%). Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Blackburn figures pool parents at the Blackburn schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
Key stage 2 (SATs, age 11), 2022/23
56 pupils in this year group.
70% — 10 points above the Blackburn with Darwen average, and 10 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Blackburn with Darwen | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths | 70% | 60% | 60% |
| Reached the higher standard in reading, writing and maths | 14% | 7% | 8% |
| Met the expected standard in reading | 79% | 71% | 73% |
| Met the expected standard in writing | 82% | 71% | 71% |
| Met the expected standard in maths | 84% | 74% | 73% |
| Average reading scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 105 | 104 | 105 |
| Average maths scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 106 | 104 | 104 |
Source: DfE key stage 2 performance tables, 2022/23. England figures are for state-funded schools.
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
141 pupils in this year group.
37% — 7 points below the Blackburn with Darwen average, and 9 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Blackburn with Darwen | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 37% | 44% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 47 | 45.4 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
140 pupils in this year group.
91% — 3 points above the Blackburn with Darwen average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Blackburn with Darwen | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 91% | 88% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 35% | 17% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 10% | 12% | 13% |
| Further education college | 40% | 52% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 2% | 3% | 3% |
| Work | 2% | 2% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 96% | 91% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
72 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Blackburn with Darwen | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 17% | 24% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 39% | 49% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 29.5 | 32.7 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
22 subjects, 207 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology | 31 | 3% | 16% | 19% |
| Biology | 29 | 7% | 21% | 27% |
| Mathematics | 24 | 17% | 29% | 40% |
| Chemistry | 21 | 5% | 19% | 30% |
| Business Studies:Single | 15 | 0% | 20% | 16% |
| Economics | 15 | 0% | 0% | 26% |
| Logic / Philosophy | 11 | 0% | 0% | 19% |
| Sociology | 11 | 0% | 9% | 20% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 9 | 11% | 33% | 24% |
| History | 7 | 0% | 14% | 23% |
| Physics | 6 | 0% | 17% | 31% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Spanish, English Language and Literature, Geography, Art and Design (Fine Art), French, Mathematics (Further), Design and Technology (Product Design), Classical Civilisation, German, Latin, Music.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
87 students in this year group.
92% — 21 points above the Blackburn with Darwen average, and 13 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Blackburn with Darwen | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 92% | 71% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 8% | 8% | 7% |
| Work | 8% | 23% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 93% | 92% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
66 students in this year group.
79% — 26 points above the Blackburn with Darwen average, and 19 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Blackburn with Darwen | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 79% | 53% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 29% | 10% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 81% | 79% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Blackburn with Darwen. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in (Year 7)?
For the September 2026 intake there were fewer first-choice applications than places.
| Places offered | 167 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 126 |
| Of those, offered a place | 110 (87%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 551 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.0 · 2025: 0.8 · 2026: 0.8
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
How hard is it to get in (Reception)?
For the September 2025 intake there were fewer first-choice applications than places.
| Places offered | 1 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 0 |
| Of those, offered a place | 0 |
| Families who listed it at all | 6 |
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2025 intake.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Blackburn with Darwen | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 8th highest of 10 state secondary schools in Blackburn. Higher than 33% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 20.8% | 30.0%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 10th highest of 10 state secondary schools in Blackburn. Higher than 12% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 1.3% | 2.3%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 6th highest of 10 state secondary schools in Blackburn. Higher than 39% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 12.3% | 14.8%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 9th highest of 10 state secondary schools in Blackburn. Higher than 58% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 15.5% | 31.3%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 8th lowest of 10 state secondary schools in Blackburn. Lower than 56% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 8.0% | 8.3%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 9th lowest of 10 state secondary schools in Blackburn. Lower than 34% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 26.6% | 23.9%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 4th lowest of 10 state secondary schools in Blackburn. Lower than 75% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 7.0 | 23.0 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 4th lowest of 10 state secondary schools in Blackburn. Lower than 66% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 4.8% | 8.1% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded5 pupils | 0.57% | 0.33% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 10th highest of 10 state secondary schools in Blackburn. Higher than 8% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 14.2 | 16.7 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 4th highest of 10 state secondary schools in Blackburn. Higher than 42% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 11.5 | 11.3 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 4th highest of 10 state secondary schools in Blackburn. Higher than 75% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 18.4% | 18.4%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
Nearby secondary schools
- Tauheedul Islam Girls' High School 0.7 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2022) · 93% grade 5+ English and maths
- St Wilfrid's CofE Academy 0.7 miles · Ofsted: Good (2013), confirmed 2023 · 53% grade 5+ English and maths
- Tauheedul Islam Boys' High School 0.8 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2024) · 81% grade 5+ English and maths
- Witton Park Academy 1.0 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 6 needs attention · 37% grade 5+ English and maths
- Pleckgate High School 1.1 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2024) · 47% grade 5+ English and maths
- Islamiyah School 1.3 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 5 strong, 1 expected
- Al Islah Girls' High School 1.3 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2025)
- Jamiatul-Ilm Wal-Huda UK School 1.3 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 15% A*/A at A level
- Rawdhatul Ilm Wal Huda 1.4 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2023)
- Westholme School 1.4 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 30% A*/A at A level
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School's Ofsted rating?
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 25 September 2019. At a shorter ungraded inspection in 5 March 2025, Ofsted found some aspects were not as strong as at the last graded inspection.
How did Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 37% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 9 points below the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School?
44% of the 48 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025 said they would recommend Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 126 families put Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School as their first choice for 167 places: fewer first-choice applications than places. 110 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 141165.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 3 September 2024 to 1 September 2025.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, Key stage 2 2022/23, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.