Schools in Oldham

Oldham has 114 schools across the metropolitan borough, including 79 primary and 13 secondary schools. Oldham Council coordinates admissions for community and voluntary-controlled schools, while academies and voluntary-aided schools manage their own admissions within the same national framework. The borough spans a wide area - from the town centre to outlying settlements like Saddleworth, Shaw, and Lees - and catchment distances reflect population density.

Secondary schools in Oldham include Royton and Crompton Academy and Oldham Academy North among those with strong recent Ofsted judgements. The borough has a high proportion of faith schools at both primary and secondary level, several of which admit pupils from across the borough based on religious criteria rather than proximity. Families should review each school's individual admissions policy alongside the council's composite prospectus when making applications.