Best 3 Secondary schools in Rochdale – 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: Hollingworth Academy (Secondary) in Rochdale; Matthew Moss High School (Secondary) in Rochdale; Wardle Academy (Secondary) in Rochdale — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Hollingworth Academy, Matthew Moss High School and Wardle Academy. They are secondary phase and academy converter type located around Rochdale, Lancashire and Rochdale, Greater Manchester. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Hollingworth Academy), published Jan 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Hollingworth Academy (Jan 2023). average roll around ≈ 1,300, combined total ≈ 3,900, typical FSM 30–35%, range 25–30%–40–45%; spread across trusts such as HOLLINGWORTH LEARNING TRUST and WATERGROVE TRUST.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Hollingworth Academy OL16 3DR	Matthew Moss High School OL11 3LU	Wardle Academy OL12 9RD
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Rochdale Lancashire OL16 3DR	Rochdale Lancashire OL11 3LU	Rochdale Greater Manchester OL12 9RD
Latest Ofsted	2 30 Jan 2023	2 12 Jun 2018	2 17 Jan 2018
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,350 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,200 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,350 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	40–45% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1350	1200	1200
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	HOLLINGWORTH LEARNING TRUST	WATERGROVE TRUST	WATERGROVE TRUST
Website	hollingworthacademy.co.uk	www.mmhs.co.uk	www.wardleacademy.co.uk
Telephone	01706292800	01706632910	01706373911
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Hollingworth Academy

OL16 3DR

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Rochdale
Lancashire
OL16 3DR
Ofsted: 2 30 Jan 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,350 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: HOLLINGWORTH LEARNING TRUST
Website: hollingworthacademy.co.uk
Telephone: 01706292800

Matthew Moss High School

OL11 3LU

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Rochdale
Lancashire
OL11 3LU
Ofsted: 2 12 Jun 2018
Pupils: ≈ 1,200 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 40–45% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: WATERGROVE TRUST
Website: www.mmhs.co.uk
Telephone: 01706632910

Wardle Academy

OL12 9RD

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Rochdale
Greater Manchester
OL12 9RD
Ofsted: 2 17 Jan 2018
Pupils: ≈ 1,350 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: WATERGROVE TRUST
Website: www.wardleacademy.co.uk
Telephone: 01706373911

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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.