Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Rossendale, Lancashire, North West · BB4 7BJ
A large selective grammar in Rossendale, Bacup and Rawtenstall draws on its own Lancashire consortium tests to admit 180 pupils a year at age 11. With 1,056 on roll against a capacity of 1,260, it has some room to grow rather than the tightly oversubscribed feel of many grammars. The academic record is exceptional, yet parents should weigh this against a notably mixed Ofsted picture: while inspectors rated the quality of education "Good", the school was judged "Inadequate" overall, with concerns about behaviour, personal development, leadership and the sixth form.
1,056
Pupils
Inadequate
Ofsted
180
Places (PAN)
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- state grammar school
- Pupils
- 1,056
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 18.8
- Location
- Rossendale, Lancashire, North West
- Website
- https://www.brgs.org.uk/
Entrance & admissions
- Consortium
- Lancashire grammar schools (own tests)
- Exam board
- Bespoke
- Subjects tested
- English, Maths
- Places (PAN)
- 180
- Entry age
- 11
Key dates· 2027 entry
Exam dateNext
26 September 2026
Application deadline
31 October 2026
Offers date
1 March 2027
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Latest results
Attainment 8
73.3
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
97%
National average 47%
Teaching & academics
Results sit far above the national picture. The average Attainment 8 score of 73.3 dwarfs the national figure of 46.9, and 97% of pupils secure grade 5 or above in English and Maths, against a national average of 47%. Ofsted's "Good" rating for quality of education reflects that classroom learning is a genuine strength here, even as wider judgements were less favourable.
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 7.86%
- EHC plans
- 0.85%
- English as additional language
- 7.3%
- Free school meals
- 6.1%
Ethos & heritage
- Boarding
- No
Inspection reports
- Ofsted overall
- Inadequate
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour & attitudes
- Inadequate
- Last inspected
- 14 June 2022
The last word
An academic powerhouse on the numbers, but the "Inadequate" Ofsted verdict on behaviour and leadership deserves a close, clear-eyed look before applying.
The Passmate verdict
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Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School located?
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is located at Glen Road, Rossendale, BB4 7BJ.
What type of school is Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School?
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is a state grammar school in North West.
What subjects does Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School test in the 11+?
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School tests English and Maths at 11+.
Which exam board does Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School use for the 11+?
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School's 11+ uses Bespoke.
When is the Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School 11+ exam?
For the 2027 entry, the Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School 11+ exam is on 26 September 2026.
How do I apply to Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School?
For 2027 entry, the application deadline is 31 October 2026.
When are Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School 11+ offers released?
For 2027 entry, Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School releases offers on 1 March 2027.
Which consortium does Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School belong to?
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is part of the Lancashire grammar schools (own tests) consortium.
How many places does Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School offer?
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School has a published admission number of 180 places.
How many pupils attend Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School?
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School has approximately 1,056 pupils on roll.
What is Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School's Ofsted rating?
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School was rated "Inadequate" by Ofsted at its inspection on 14 June 2022.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.