Compare Burnley High School and Sir John Thursby Community College and Unity College
Comparison of secondary schools: Burnley High School (Secondary) in Burnley; Sir John Thursby Community College (Secondary) in Burnley; Unity College (Secondary) in Burnley — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.
At a glance
This page compares Burnley High School, Sir John Thursby Community College and Unity College. They are secondary phase and free schools and foundation school type located around Burnley, Lancashire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Burnley High School), published Jun 2017. The lowest is 3 (Unity College), published Mar 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Unity College (Mar 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,050, combined total ≈ 3,150, typical FSM 35–40%, range 30–35%–35–40%; all within the Education Partnership Trust trust.
| Attribute |
Burnley High School
BB12 6NX
|
Sir John Thursby Community College
BB10 2AT
|
Unity College
BB11 3DF
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase / Type | Secondary • Free schools | Secondary • Foundation school | Secondary • Foundation school |
| Location |
Burnley Lancashire BB12 6NX |
Burnley Lancashire BB10 2AT |
Burnley Lancashire BB11 3DF |
| Latest Ofsted | 2 23 Jun 2017 | 2 29 Jun 2023 | 3 19 Mar 2024 |
| Ofsted report | — | — | — |
| Pupils (roll) | ≈ 600 🔒 Unlock exact pupils | ≈ 1,100 🔒 Unlock exact pupils | ≈ 1,400 🔒 Unlock exact pupils |
| FSM % | 35–40% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % | 35–40% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % | 30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM % |
| Capacity | 600 | 1125 | 1480 |
| Capacity utilisation | Near capacity 🔒 View exact % | Near capacity 🔒 View exact % | Near capacity 🔒 View exact % |
| Age range | — | — | — |
| Gender | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed |
| Admissions policy | Non-selective | Non-selective | |
| Trust / Local authority | Education Partnership Trust | Lancashire (888) | Lancashire (888) |
| Website | burnleyhighschool.co.uk | www.sirjohnthursby.lancs.sch.uk | www.unity-college.com |
| Telephone | 01282681950 | 01282682313 | 01282683010 |
| SEN provision | None reported | None reported | None reported |
| Profile | View profile | View profile | View profile |
Burnley High School
BB12 6NX
- Phase / Type
- Secondary • Free schools
- Location
- Burnley
Lancashire
BB12 6NX - Ofsted
- 2 23 Jun 2017
- Pupils
- ≈ 600 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 35–40% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Education Partnership Trust
- Website
- burnleyhighschool.co.uk
- Telephone
- 01282681950
Sir John Thursby Community College
BB10 2AT
- Phase / Type
- Secondary • Foundation school
- Location
- Burnley
Lancashire
BB10 2AT - Ofsted
- 2 29 Jun 2023
- Pupils
- ≈ 1,100 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 35–40% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Lancashire (888)
- Website
- www.sirjohnthursby.lancs.sch.uk
- Telephone
- 01282682313
Unity College
BB11 3DF
- Phase / Type
- Secondary • Foundation school
- Location
- Burnley
Lancashire
BB11 3DF - Ofsted
- 3 19 Mar 2024
- Pupils
- ≈ 1,400 🔒 Exact value
- FSM %
- 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
- Trust / LA
- Lancashire (888)
- Website
- www.unity-college.com
- Telephone
- 01282683010
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.