WCHS is a mixed, 11-16 school. It is smaller than average with 650 student places. 

WCHS is a Lancashire school but sits close to the border with Rochdale.  

The school is oversubscribed, and regularly has double the number of applicants for the 130 year 7 places.   

Similar proportions of boys and girls but this varies from year group to year group.  

The percentage of students eligible for free school meals is broadly in line with the national average as is the deprivation indicator.

The percentage of students from ethnic minority groups is well below the national average as is the percentage of students with English as an additional language.

The percentage of students with EHCPs is in line with the national average but the proportion of students receiving SEN support is slightly higher than average.

School stability is high with the majority of students beginning at the start of year 7 and staying all the way through to the end of year 11.

The school has a variable number of CLA students, mainly from outside Lancashire and many who reside out of priority area Children’s Homes, who are placed here at the request of Children’s Social Care.

Attendance figures for the school are high. FFT consistently places WCHS in the top 10% of schools nationally.  

The school is popular with families for several reasons: it is recognised as a good school; it has a trend of good GCSE results; it is seen as inclusive and caring but also academically strong; a small school which appeals to families locally; it is very much in the hearts of the local community.