Essa Academy, Bolton
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Location
Estimated admission likelihood based on school density and oversubscription data. Admissions policy: Non-selective
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 8 months agoReport card - no overall grade (new Ofsted framework from Sep 2024)
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
Essa Academy is a caring school where every child can thrive. Teachers have excellent subject knowledge and adapt lessons so all pupils can succeed, whether they need extra support or additional challenge. The school celebrates diversity, creates a strong sense of belonging, and prepares pupils exceptionally well for their next steps in education and work.
Key Strengths
- Pupils achieve highly in national examinations, with gaps for disadvantaged pupils narrowing
- Attendance is above national average and continues to improve
- Behaviour is exceptionally positive in lessons and around school
- High-quality teaching with strong subject knowledge and effective adaptations for all learners
- Excellent support for pupils with special educational needs and disadvantaged pupils through well-targeted strategies
Safeguarding
Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and concerns are actively identified and managed, making pupils safer and helping them feel safe.
Extracurricular Activities
School production, outdoor activities, debating activities, orchestra, careers fairs, visits to employers, virtual work experience opportunities
Essa Academy is a high-performing school where pupils achieve excellent results across all subjects, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. The school has established a positive, caring culture with strong behaviour, high attendance, and excellent support for all learners.
At a Glance
49.0%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
Class Sizes
25.5
Avg class size
41
Total classes
3 classes with more than 30 pupils
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Bus Stops
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
107%
Over capacity
1,055 pupils
990 capacity
65 places over capacity
Area Demand Pressure - Bolton
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Bolton
Admissions Demand - Bolton
Places available
4,380
Applications
4,014
Got 1st preference
82.6%
Got preferred school
95.0%
Secondary admissions across Bolton (2025/26)
Inspection History(6)
House Prices
Moving into the catchment? See what homes near this school actually cost
SEN Provision
How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.
Pupil Demographics
The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.
Teachers & Staff
Teacher qualification rates, pupil-to-teacher ratio, staff turnover, and salary data. Shows how well-resourced and stable the school's workforce is.
School Funding
Annual funding per pupil, total budget, pupil premium grants, and how the school's resources compare to similar schools nationally.
Pupil Absence2024/25
7.57926%
Overall absence
23.24324%
Persistent absence
1,110
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
Reviews
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Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Essa Academy
Essa Primary Academy
St Bede Academy
Lever Edge Primary Academy
The Olive Tree Primary School Bolton
St William of York Roman Catholic Primary School
Heathfield Primary School
Brandwood Primary School
Sunning Hill Primary School
Bishop Bridgeman CofE Primary School
Clarendon Primary School
Showing 10 of 15 linked schools
Nearby Schools
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