Best 3 Secondary schools in Burnley – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Sir John Thursby Community College (Secondary) in Burnley; Burnley High School (Secondary) in Burnley; Unity College (Secondary) in Burnley — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Sir John Thursby Community College, Burnley High School and Unity College. They are secondary phase and foundation school and free schools type located around Burnley, Lancashire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Sir John Thursby Community College), published Jun 2023. The lowest is 3 (Unity College), published Mar 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Unity College (Mar 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,050, combined total ≈ 3,150, typical FSM 35–40%, range 30–35%–35–40%; all within the Education Partnership Trust trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Sir John Thursby Community College BB10 2AT	Burnley High School BB12 6NX	Unity College BB11 3DF
Phase / Type	Secondary • Foundation school	Secondary • Free schools	Secondary • Foundation school
Location	Burnley Lancashire BB10 2AT	Burnley Lancashire BB12 6NX	Burnley Lancashire BB11 3DF
Latest Ofsted	2 29 Jun 2023	2 23 Jun 2017	3 19 Mar 2024
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,100 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 600 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,400 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	35–40% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	35–40% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1125	600	1480
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective		Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Lancashire (888)	Education Partnership Trust	Lancashire (888)
Website	www.sirjohnthursby.lancs.sch.uk	burnleyhighschool.co.uk	www.unity-college.com
Telephone	01282682313	01282681950	01282683010
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Sir John Thursby Community College

BB10 2AT

Phase / Type: Secondary • Foundation school
Location: Burnley
Lancashire
BB10 2AT
Ofsted: 2 29 Jun 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,100 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 35–40% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Lancashire (888)
Website: www.sirjohnthursby.lancs.sch.uk
Telephone: 01282682313

Burnley High School

BB12 6NX

Phase / Type: Secondary • Free schools
Location: Burnley
Lancashire
BB12 6NX
Ofsted: 2 23 Jun 2017
Pupils: ≈ 600 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 35–40% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Education Partnership Trust
Website: burnleyhighschool.co.uk
Telephone: 01282681950

Unity College

BB11 3DF

Phase / Type: Secondary • Foundation school
Location: Burnley
Lancashire
BB11 3DF
Ofsted: 3 19 Mar 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,400 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Lancashire (888)
Website: www.unity-college.com
Telephone: 01282683010

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Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.