Schools across Bolton
Local authority · 149 schools across 5 towns
149
99 primary · 21 secondary
57,057
96% capacity used
43
7 outstanding · 36 good
59,557
2,500 spare places
Ofsted Ratings
Area Performance (2025)
KS2 Reading
74.6%
KS2 Maths
75.3%
School Capacity
Primary Schools
941 spare places
Secondary Schools
962 spare places
Pupil Absence
Avg Overall Absence
6.1%
2024/25
Avg Persistent Absence
16.1%
2024/25
Schools Reporting
120
2024/25
Absence trend across Bolton schools
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Average across all open schools in this LA.
EHCP Timeliness
Issued Within 20 Weeks
71%
Plans Issued
563
Assessment Requests
732
Tribunal Cases
5
EHCP timeliness trend (% issued within 20 weeks)
Source: DfE EHCP timeliness statistics. Shows how quickly this LA issues Education, Health and Care Plans.
Admission Appeals
2025 admission appeals by school phase
Primary
234
Lodged
(5.1%)
194
Heard
26
Successful
(13%)
Primary (infant classes)
114
Lodged
(2.8%)
95
Heard
0
Successful
(0%)
Secondary
319
Lodged
(7.0%)
290
Heard
63
Successful
(22%)
Total
553
Lodged
(6.0%)
484
Heard
89
Successful
(18%)
Total appeals lodged per year
Source: DfE admission appeals statistics. Shows how competitive school places are in this area.