Best 3 All-through schools in Lancashire – comparison
Comparison of all-through schools: Armfield Academy (All-through) in Blackpool; Ribblesdale School (All-through) in Clitheroe; Maharishi Free School (All-through) in Ormskirk — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.
At a glance
This page compares Armfield Academy, Ribblesdale School and Maharishi Free School. They are all-through phase and free schools and community school type located around Blackpool, Lancashire, Clitheroe, Lancashire and Ormskirk, Lancashire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Armfield Academy), published Mar 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Armfield Academy (Mar 2023). average roll around ≈ 950, combined total ≈ 2,850, typical FSM 20–25%, range 15–20%–35–40%; all within the Fylde Coast Academy Trust trust.
| Attribute |
Armfield Academy
FY4 1TL
|
Ribblesdale School
BB7 1EJ
|
Maharishi Free School
L40 6JJ
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase / Type | All-through • Free schools | All-through • Community school | All-through • Free schools |
| Location |
Blackpool Lancashire FY4 1TL |
Clitheroe Lancashire BB7 1EJ |
Ormskirk Lancashire L40 6JJ |
| Latest Ofsted | 2 28 Mar 2023 | 2 1 Mar 2020 | 2 4 Dec 2017 |
| Ofsted report | — | — | — |
| Pupils (roll) | ≈ 1,200 🔒 Unlock exact pupils | ≈ 1,400 🔒 Unlock exact pupils | ≈ 200 🔒 Unlock exact pupils |
| FSM % | 35–40% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % | 15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % | 15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % |
| Capacity | 1220 | 1635 | 240 |
| Capacity utilisation | Near capacity 🔒 View exact % | Under capacity 🔒 View exact % | Near capacity 🔒 View exact % |
| Age range | — | — | — |
| Gender | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed |
| Admissions policy | Non-selective | Non-selective | Non-selective |
| Trust / Local authority | Fylde Coast Academy Trust | Lancashire (888) | Lancashire (888) |
| Website | www.armfieldacademy.co.uk | www.ribblesdale.org | www.maharishischool.com |
| Telephone | 01253207702 | 01200422563 | 01695729912 |
| SEN provision | None reported | None reported | None reported |
| Profile | View profile | View profile | View profile |
Armfield Academy
FY4 1TL
- Phase / Type
- All-through • Free schools
- Location
- Blackpool
Lancashire
FY4 1TL - Ofsted
- 2 28 Mar 2023
- Pupils
- ≈ 1,200 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 35–40% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Fylde Coast Academy Trust
- Website
- www.armfieldacademy.co.uk
- Telephone
- 01253207702
Ribblesdale School
BB7 1EJ
- Phase / Type
- All-through • Community school
- Location
- Clitheroe
Lancashire
BB7 1EJ - Ofsted
- 2 1 Mar 2020
- Pupils
- ≈ 1,400 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Lancashire (888)
- Website
- www.ribblesdale.org
- Telephone
- 01200422563
Maharishi Free School
L40 6JJ
- Phase / Type
- All-through • Free schools
- Location
- Ormskirk
Lancashire
L40 6JJ - Ofsted
- 2 4 Dec 2017
- Pupils
- ≈ 200 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Lancashire (888)
- Website
- www.maharishischool.com
- Telephone
- 01695729912
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.