Best 3 Secondary schools in Ashton-under-Lyne – 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: St Damian's RC Science College (Secondary) in Ashton-under-Lyne; Great Academy Ashton (Secondary) in Ashton-under-Lyne — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares St Damian's RC Science College and Great Academy Ashton. They are secondary phase and voluntary aided school and academy sponsor led type located around Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (St Damian's RC Science College), published Dec 2017. The lowest is 3 (Great Academy Ashton), published May 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Great Academy Ashton (May 2023). average roll around ≈ 1,050, combined total ≈ 2,150, typical FSM 35–40%, range 20–25%–45–50%; all within the Great Academies Education Trust trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	St Damian's RC Science College OL6 8BH	Great Academy Ashton OL6 8RF
Phase / Type	Secondary • Voluntary aided school	Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location	Ashton-under-Lyne Lancashire OL6 8BH	Ashton-under-Lyne Lancashire OL6 8RF
Latest Ofsted	1 28 Dec 2017	3 9 May 2023
Ofsted report	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 850 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,300 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	45–50% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	825	1350
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Tameside (357)	Great Academies Education Trust
Website	www.stdamians.co.uk	www.gaa.org.uk
Telephone	01613305974	01612419555
SEN provision	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile

St Damian's RC Science College

OL6 8BH

Phase / Type: Secondary • Voluntary aided school
Location: Ashton-under-Lyne
Lancashire
OL6 8BH
Ofsted: 1 28 Dec 2017
Pupils: ≈ 850 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Tameside (357)
Website: www.stdamians.co.uk
Telephone: 01613305974

Great Academy Ashton

OL6 8RF

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: Ashton-under-Lyne
Lancashire
OL6 8RF
Ofsted: 3 9 May 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,300 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 45–50% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Great Academies Education Trust
Website: www.gaa.org.uk
Telephone: 01612419555

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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.