Which is the best secondary school in Burnley?

By 2024/25 exam results alone, Sir John Thursby Community College ranks first of 5 ranked secondary schools in Burnley, with an average Attainment 8 score of 41. Results reflect each school's cohort as well as its teaching, so treat the ranking as a starting point rather than a verdict.

How are schools in Burnley ranked?

Secondary schools are ranked by their average Attainment 8 score in 2024/25, from the Department for Education's published results; Progress 8 is suspended nationally, so it cannot be used. Ofsted judgements are never part of the ranking, because inspections from different eras cannot fairly be compared, and special and independent schools are not ranked because their published figures do not compare fairly.

How many secondary schools are ranked in Burnley?

5 secondary schools in Burnley published 2024/25 results and are ranked here. Schools without published results, special schools and independent schools are listed on the area's own page instead.

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Secondary school rankings

Secondary schools in Burnley, ranked

The 5 secondary schools here are ranked by their average Attainment 8 score in 2024/25, from the Department for Education's published results. Progress 8 is suspended nationally for 2024/25 and 2025/26, so it cannot be used.

Exam results are one part of the picture, and rankings never include Ofsted judgements: inspections from different eras cannot fairly be compared. Special schools and independent schools are not ranked, because their published figures do not compare fairly either. Each school's own page has its inspection history and context.

1
Sir John Thursby Community College
Foundation school

31%

grade 5+ in Eng and maths

41.0

Attainment 8
2
Unity College
Foundation school

34%

grade 5+ in Eng and maths

40.3

Attainment 8
3
Shuttleworth College
Foundation school

39%

grade 5+ in Eng and maths

39.5

Attainment 8
4
Burnley High School
Free schools

30%

grade 5+ in Eng and maths

38.6

Attainment 8
5
Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic College, A Voluntary Academy
Academy converter

27%

grade 5+ in Eng and maths

37.6

Attainment 8

Common questions

Which is the best secondary school in Burnley?: By 2024/25 exam results alone, Sir John Thursby Community College ranks first of 5 ranked secondary schools in Burnley, with an average Attainment 8 score of 41. Results reflect each school's cohort as well as its teaching, so treat the ranking as a starting point rather than a verdict.
How are schools in Burnley ranked?: Secondary schools are ranked by their average Attainment 8 score in 2024/25, from the Department for Education's published results; Progress 8 is suspended nationally, so it cannot be used. Ofsted judgements are never part of the ranking, because inspections from different eras cannot fairly be compared, and special and independent schools are not ranked because their published figures do not compare fairly.
How many secondary schools are ranked in Burnley?: 5 secondary schools in Burnley published 2024/25 results and are ranked here. Schools without published results, special schools and independent schools are listed on the area's own page instead.

Exam results come from the Department for Education's school performance service and cover the 2024/25 academic year. Schools without published results for that year are not listed.