Rivington and Blackrod High School vs St Joseph's RC High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in North West, England, 3.0 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Rivington and Blackrod High School
Bolton · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
1,626 students
St Joseph's RC High School
Bolton · Local authority secondary · Ages 11–16
1,047 students
| Measure | Rivington and Blackrod High School Bolton, North West | St Joseph's RC High School Bolton, North West |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 62 Top 50% | 58 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #159 of 536 | #186 of 536 |
| National rank | #1392 of 4,090 | #1609 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Academy | Local authority |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 11–18 | Ages 11–16 |
| Students | 1,626 | 1,047 |
| Pupils on roll | 1,626 | 1,047 |
| Free school meals | 26.1% | 21.5% |
| Capacity filled | 86.1% | 99.7% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 49.2 | 44.8 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 52.9% | 49.8% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 72.1% | 70% |
| EBacc average points | 4.16 | 3.99 |
| A level points per entry | 31.9 | – |
| town | Bolton | Bolton |
| region | North West | North West |
| Website | www.rbhs.co.uk | www.stjosephsbolton.org.uk |
The verdict
- •Rivington and Blackrod High School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (61.7 vs 57.5).
- •Rivington and Blackrod High School is the larger school with 1,626 students compared with 1,047.
- •Rivington and Blackrod High School is a academy school while St Joseph's RC High School is a local authority school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Rivington and Blackrod High School better than St Joseph's RC High School?
On the Success Index (England), Rivington and Blackrod High School ranks higher (61.7 vs 57.5 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Rivington and Blackrod High School and St Joseph's RC High School?
About 3.0 km in a straight line, between Bolton and Bolton in North West.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Rivington and Blackrod High School: 1,626. St Joseph's RC High School: 1,047. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Rivington and Blackrod High School and St Joseph's RC High School rank in North West?
Rivington and Blackrod High School is 159th of 536 and St Joseph's RC High School is 186th of 536 among secondary schools in North West on the 2025 Success Index (England).