The hardest schools to get into in Calderdale
Secondary: 293 families put The Crossley Heath School first in 2026 and 165 of them (56%) were offered a place - places depend on the 11-plus.
Reception: 39 families put Bolton Brow Primary Academy first in 2026 and 29 of them (74%) were offered a place.
Every state school in Calderdale with at least 20 first-choice applicants, hardest first. Of the families who put the school first on their application, the share who were offered a place there. Data: Department for Education.
Secondary schools (Year 7)
| # | School | Put it first | Of them, offered | Places |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Crossley Heath School · Halifax · grammar (11-plus) | 293 | 165 (56%) | 177 |
| 2 | The North Halifax Grammar School · Halifax · grammar (11-plus) | 240 | 151 (63%) | 180 |
| 3 | Trinity Academy Halifax · Halifax · faith | 349 | 299 (86%) | 320 |
| 4 | Ryburn Valley High School · Sowerby Bridge | 261 | 240 (92%) | 254 |
| 5 | Rastrick High School · Brighouse | 322 | 308 (96%) | 347 |
| 6 | Brighouse High School · Brighouse | 198 | 194 (98%) | 203 |
| 7 | The Brooksbank School · Elland | 233 | 233 (100%) | 255 |
| 8 | The Calder Learning Trust · Hebden Bridge | 190 | 190 (100%) | 217 |
| 9 | The Halifax Academy · Halifax | 157 | 157 (100%) | 185 |
| 10 | Todmorden High School, A SHARE Academy · Todmorden | 140 | 140 (100%) | 157 |
| 11 | Trinity Academy Grammar · Sowerby Bridge | 132 | 132 (100%) | 178 |
| 12 | Lightcliffe Academy · Halifax | 98 | 98 (100%) | 125 |
| 13 | Park Lane Academy · Halifax | 78 | 78 (100%) | 96 |
Primary schools (Reception)
Getting into a school in Calderdale
What is the hardest school to get into in Calderdale?
For secondary places, 293 families put The Crossley Heath School first in 2026 and 165 of them (56%) were offered a place - places depend on the 11-plus. For Reception, 39 families put Bolton Brow Primary Academy first and 29 of them (74%) were offered a place.
How many families in Calderdale get their first-choice school?
91.2% of families applying for a secondary place got their first preference, and 96.6% of those applying for Reception did (offers for September 2026).
Does putting a school first improve our chances?
Not at the other schools you name. Councils in England use an equal-preference system: every school you list is considered against its own admissions criteria, and if more than one could offer a place you get the one you ranked highest. So list schools in your genuine order of preference, and include at least one you are very likely to get.
What does "last distance offered" mean?
For schools that give places by distance, it is how far from the school the last child offered a place under that criterion lived. It changes every year with the number and location of applicants, so treat it as a guide, not a guarantee. We show it where Calderdale published it in its admissions booklet.