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catchment.school

Blackburn Central High School Catchment Area

Reviewed by the catchment.school editorial team · Last updated 15 March 2026

Blackburn Central High School is a academy converter secondary school in Blackburn, Blackburn with Darwen , serving pupils aged 11–16, with 984 pupils, and a capacity of 900 places. The school is currently at or above capacity, making catchment area proximity important for admissions.

11–16

Age range

984

Pupils

900

Capacity

109%

Fill rate

Good

Ofsted 2012

Blackburn Central High School Catchment Area Information

As an academy, Blackburn Central High School sets its own admissions criteria, agreed with Blackburn with Darwen. The catchment area boundary is defined in the school's annual admissions policy, which may differ from the LA's general school admissions arrangements.

Currently oversubscribed: 984 pupils enrolled against a capacity of 900 places. Living within the catchment area is especially important for this school.

Not getting a place? Learn how to appeal a school place →

The official admissions policy — including the catchment boundary map — is published by Blackburn with Darwen before each admissions cycle. Always verify your address with the council before submitting an application, as boundaries can change year to year.

Find Blackburn with Darwen catchment area documents →

Blackburn Central High School — School Information

Full address
Haslingden Road, Blackburn, BB2 3HJ
Local authority
Blackburn with Darwen
School type
Academy converter
Phase of education
Secondary
Age range
11–16 years
Admissions policy
Non-selective
Free school meals
39.3% of pupils
DfE URN
146936

Other Secondary Schools in Blackburn

If Blackburn Central High School is oversubscribed, these secondary schools in Blackburn are the next closest alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions — Blackburn Central High School

Is Blackburn Central High School oversubscribed?

Yes — Blackburn Central High School currently has 984 pupils enrolled against a capacity of 900 places. Catchment area proximity is an important admissions criterion when applying.

What is the admissions policy for Blackburn Central High School?

Admission to Blackburn Central High School is managed by Blackburn with Darwen. When oversubscribed, places go to looked-after children first, then siblings, then catchment area distance. Always verify the current policy with the council before applying.

What age range does Blackburn Central High School cover?

Blackburn Central High School is a secondary school in Blackburn, Blackburn with Darwen, serving pupils aged 11–16. For the latest information, visit the school's website or the DfE Get Information About Schools service.

What is the Ofsted rating for Blackburn Central High School?

Blackburn Central High School was rated Good by Ofsted in 2012. Full inspection reports are available at reports.ofsted.gov.uk.