SchoolScoresThornleigh Salesian College
Voluntary aided school · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Roman Catholic · Sixth form
Sharples Park, Astley Bridge, Bolton, BL1 6PQ
01204 301351 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
At the inspection that started on 22 October 2024, Ofsted graded each area separately. It stopped giving an overall grade in September 2024.
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 | Requires improvement |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Requires improvement |
| Sixth form | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
186 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025.
Bolton comparisons use the 10 of its 20 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 10 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 | Bolton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 6th highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bolton. Higher than 46% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 82% | 84% | 89% |
| My child feels safe at this school 6th highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bolton. Higher than 43% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 84% | 84% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 6th highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bolton. Higher than 49% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 78% | 76% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 68 parents whose child had been bullied Joint 7th highest of 9 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bolton. Higher than 34% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 44% | 51% | 51% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 140 parents who had raised a concern 7th highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bolton. Higher than 45% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 69% | 70% | 76% |
| My child with SEND gets the support they needOf 39 parents of children with SEND 4th highest of 6 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bolton. Higher than 49% of 789 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 62% | 59% | 68% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 6th highest of 10 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bolton. Higher than 50% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 80%said yes | 79% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 12%). 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. Bolton figures pool parents at the Bolton 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
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
263 pupils in this year group.
41% — 3 points below the Bolton average, and 4 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Bolton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 41% | 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. | 45.7 | 45.7 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 3.9 | 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.
256 pupils in this year group.
93% — 3 points above the Bolton average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Bolton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 93% | 90% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 30% | 12% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 8% | 25% | 13% |
| Further education college | 48% | 45% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 4% | 3% | 3% |
| Work | 3% | 3% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 91% | 93% |
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
90 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Bolton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B- | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 27% | 27% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 58% | 58% | 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. | 36.3 | 34.5 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
18 subjects, 220 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Studies:Single | 28 | 11% | 36% | 16% |
| Psychology | 23 | 9% | 17% | 19% |
| Economics | 22 | 9% | 36% | 26% |
| Mathematics | 21 | 5% | 24% | 40% |
| Sociology | 19 | 0% | 21% | 20% |
| Biology | 18 | 0% | 11% | 27% |
| History | 18 | 6% | 50% | 23% |
| Chemistry | 14 | 0% | 29% | 30% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 12 | 0% | 8% | 24% |
| Geography | 10 | 10% | 40% | 23% |
| English Language | 8 | 0% | 38% | 13% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 7 | 14% | 29% | 38% |
| Physics | 6 | 17% | 33% | 31% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Art and Design (Graphics), Art and Design (Photography), Religious Studies, Spanish, English Literature.
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.
165 students in this year group.
82% — 9 points above the Bolton average, and 3 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Bolton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 82% | 73% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 9% | 8% | 7% |
| Work | 27% | 26% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 93% | 82% |
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.
122 students in this year group.
71% — 9 points above the Bolton average, and 11 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Bolton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 71% | 62% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 22% | 12% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 74% | 71% |
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 Bolton. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were about one first-choice application for every place.
| Places offered | 260 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 241 |
| Of those, offered a place | 227 (94%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 634 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.0 · 2025: 1.1 · 2026: 0.9
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.
This is a Roman Catholic school. When it has more applicants than places it can give priority to families of the faith, for example those who can show regular worship. Check the school's admissions policy to see how places are allocated.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Bolton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 13th highest of 20 state secondary schools in Bolton. Higher than 56% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 29.6% | 32.9%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 11th highest of 20 state secondary schools in Bolton. Higher than 32% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 2.2% | 2.9%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 6th highest of 20 state secondary schools in Bolton. Higher than 43% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 12.8% | 11.3%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 16th highest of 20 state secondary schools in Bolton. Higher than 43% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 9.8% | 27.7%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 11th lowest of 20 state secondary schools in Bolton. Lower than 47% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 8.5% | 8.2%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 11th lowest of 20 state secondary schools in Bolton. Lower than 47% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 24.0% | 23.0%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 8th lowest of 20 state secondary schools in Bolton. Lower than 49% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 15.1 | 31.5 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 7th lowest of 20 state secondary schools in Bolton. Lower than 63% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 5.2% | 8.9% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded2 pupils | 0.13% | 0.29% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 19th highest of 20 state secondary schools in Bolton. Higher than 10% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 14.4 | 16.3 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 12th highest of 20 state secondary schools in Bolton. Higher than 33% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 11.1 | 11.4 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 11th highest of 20 state secondary schools in Bolton. Higher than 65% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 16.1% | 17.2%* | 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
- Smithills School 0.5 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 2 expected, 4 needs attention · 20% grade 5+ English and maths
- Eden Boys' School, Bolton 0.7 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2017), confirmed 2023 · 59% grade 5+ English and maths
- Madrasatul Imam Muhammad Zakariya 0.8 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 0% A*/A at A level
- Sharples School 0.9 miles · Ofsted: Good (2013, before conversion), improved significantly 2025 · 62% grade 5+ English and maths
- Canon Slade School 1.4 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2024) · 57% grade 5+ English and maths
- Bolton School Boys' Division 1.5 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 40% A*/A at A level
- Bolton School Girls' Division 1.6 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 40% A*/A at A level
- Turton School 1.6 miles · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 31% grade 5+ English and maths
- University Collegiate School 1.9 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2024) · 31% grade 5+ English and maths
- Bolton St Catherine's Academy 2.3 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 19% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Thornleigh Salesian College's Ofsted rating?
At its inspection in 22 October 2024, Ofsted graded each area separately; it stopped giving an overall grade in September 2024.
How did Thornleigh Salesian College do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 41% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 4 points below the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Thornleigh Salesian College?
80% of the 186 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025 said they would recommend Thornleigh Salesian College to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Thornleigh Salesian College oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 241 families put Thornleigh Salesian College as their first choice for 260 places: about one first-choice application for every place. 227 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 105264.
- 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, 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.