Walton-Le-Dale High School, Preston

In its own words: "Celebrating our school’s heritage and community roots, whilst fostering a strong sense of belonging and identity for every pupil. Ensuring equitable access to enriching experiences that develop talents, broaden horizons, and prepare pupils for future success. Establishing high expectations and ambitious standards across all aspects of school life, empowering students to exceed their potential."

From the headteacher's welcome: "As the Headteacher of this wonderful school, I am proud to lead a community where every child is valued, supported, and encouraged to grow into the best version of themselves."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, netball, tennis, basketball, badminton and cheerleading.

In 2026, pupils at Walton-Le-Dale High School averaged an Attainment 8 score of 33.4, the average grade across their best eight GCSEs. The average state school scored 46.2 in Lancashire and 47 across England.

18% passed English and maths at grade 5 or above, against 44% in Lancashire and 47% in England.

That is in line with 2025, when the score was 33.1.

Disadvantaged pupils averaged an Attainment 8 of 28.5, against 36.5 for other pupils at the school - a gap of 8 points.

Pupils sat GCSEs in 23 subjects; after English and maths, the most popular were Combined Science, History and Engineering Studies.

For September 2026 entry, 75 families put Walton-Le-Dale High School as their first choice and 256 named it as one of their preferences, for 134 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state secondary schools to Walton-Le-Dale High School are Brownedge St Mary's Catholic High School (0.4 miles, Good, Attainment 8 44.4); Lostock Hall Academy (1.2 miles, Good, Attainment 8 47.2); Christ The King Catholic High School (1.7 miles, Attainment 8 41); and Eden Boys' School, Preston (2 miles, Outstanding, Attainment 8 54.5).

Each of them had higher 2026 results than Walton-Le-Dale High School.

Walton-Le-Dale High School is one of 5 schools run by Aspirational Futures Multi-Academy Trust, an academy trust.

37.8% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 191 pupils (27.8%) received SEN support and 28 (4.1%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is a moderate learning difficulty.

The nearest railway station is Bamber Bridge Rail Station, about 1140 metres away (roughly a 14-minute walk).

9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Clinic (opposite), 120 metres away.

In 2024/25, Walton-Le-Dale High School issued 882 suspensions, 120.2 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 20 permanent exclusions.

The primary schools closest to Walton-Le-Dale High School are Bamber Bridge St Aidan's Church of England Primary School (0.3 miles); St Mary's and St Benedict's Roman Catholic Primary School (0.6 miles); St Patrick's Roman Catholic Primary School, Walton-le-Dale (0.7 miles); and Higher Walton Church of England Primary School (0.8 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.