Best 3 Secondary schools in Nelson – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Marsden Heights Community College (Secondary) in Nelson; Pendle Vale College (Secondary) in Nelson — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Marsden Heights Community College and Pendle Vale College. They are secondary phase and academy sponsor led and community school type located around Nelson, Lancashire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Marsden Heights Community College), published Nov 2023. The most recent inspection on record is for Marsden Heights Community College (Nov 2023). average roll around ≈ 1,050, combined total ≈ 2,100, typical FSM 30–35%, range 30–35%–30–35%; all within the UNITED LEARNING TRUST trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Marsden Heights Community College BB9 0PR	Pendle Vale College BB9 8LF
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy sponsor led	Secondary • Community school
Location	Nelson Lancashire BB9 0PR	Nelson Lancashire BB9 8LF
Latest Ofsted	2 26 Nov 2023	2 29 Oct 2012
Ofsted report	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,050 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,050 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1050	1050
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	UNITED LEARNING TRUST	Lancashire (888)
Website	www.marsdenheights.co.uk	www.pendlevale.lancs.sch.uk
Telephone	01282683060	01282682240
SEN provision	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile

Marsden Heights Community College

BB9 0PR

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: Nelson
Lancashire
BB9 0PR
Ofsted: 2 26 Nov 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,050 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: UNITED LEARNING TRUST
Website: www.marsdenheights.co.uk
Telephone: 01282683060

Pendle Vale College

BB9 8LF

Phase / Type: Secondary • Community school
Location: Nelson
Lancashire
BB9 8LF
Ofsted: 2 29 Oct 2012
Pupils: ≈ 1,050 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Lancashire (888)
Website: www.pendlevale.lancs.sch.uk
Telephone: 01282682240

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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.