With many pupils soon returning for their final summer term at school in Oldham, parents might want to start thinking about their top choices for secondary schools next term.

Although high school might seem a lifetime away, it soon comes around quick and typically sees admissions open for places way ahead of time in August every year.

Parents with youngsters looking to start Year 7 in September 2025 have until the end of October this year to submit their three preferences to Oldham Council - and it could be wise to start looking at schools in advance.

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Ofsted regularly publishes its reports and findings of all schools across the borough, and each school's overall grade and past reports are publicly available for parents to view.

At the time of writing, there are three 'outstanding' and 11 'good' secondary schools in Oldham, according to the education watchdog.

Outstanding

  1. The Blue Coat CofE School, Edgerton Street, graded 'outstanding' in 2023
  2. Hollinwood Academy, Roman Road, graded 'outstanding' in 2018
  3. New Bridge School, Roman Road, graded 'outstanding' in 2020

Good

  1. The Hathershaw College, Hathershaw, Bellfield Avenue, graded 'good' in 2022
  2. The Crompton House Church of England Academy, Rochdale Road, Shaw, graded 'good' in 2020
  3. Oasis Academy Leesbrook, Roxbury Avenue, Oldham, graded 'good' in 2023
  4. Brookland School, Newhey Road, Royton, graded 'good' in 2023
  5. Bright Futures School, Friezland Lane, Greenfield, Oldham, graded 'good' in 2023
  6. Saddleworth School, Huddersfield Road, Diggle, graded 'good' in 2018
  7. The Radclyffe School, Hunt Lane, Chadderton, graded 'good'  in 2024
  8. SMS Changing Lives School, Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, graded 'good' in 2022
  9. Westwood High, Kelsall Street, graded 'good'  in 2023
  10. Darul Hadis Latifiah Northwest, Plum Street, graded 'good' in 2023
  11. The Oldham Academy North, Broadway, Royton, graded 'good' in 2020
  12. Westwood Boys School, Union Street, graded 'good' in 2023

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