Darwen Aldridge Community Academy
URN: 135580 • Darwen BB3 3HD
Overview
- Name
- Darwen Aldridge Community Academy
- URN
- 135580
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Secondary
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- Does not apply
- Admissions
- Non-selective
- Trust
- ALDRIDGE EDUCATION
- Private
- No
- Ofsted rating
- Requires improvement
- Ranking score
- 46.7 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Claire Bailey (since 2025) , Principal
- Telephone
- 01254819500
- Website
- Visit
- Address
- Sudell Road, Darwen BB3 3HD
Summary
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA) is a mixed secondary academy located in Darwen, Blackburn with Darwen. With a current enrolment of 1,065 students and a capacity of 1,600, the academy serves a diverse community and aims to foster a culture of learning and enterprise. DACA is committed to providing a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally, guided by the values of creativity, determination, and teamwork.
The curriculum at DACA is designed to engage students and prepare them for future opportunities, encompassing a wide range of subjects including technology, mathematics, science, modern foreign languages, and creative arts. The academy also boasts a strong sixth form, known for its excellent performance in both academic and vocational courses, ensuring that students are well-equipped for their next steps.
DACA places a strong emphasis on community involvement and personal development, encouraging students to respect diversity and contribute positively to their surroundings. The academy's mission is to help every student realise their potential and develop the skills necessary for successful and fulfilling lives.
The curriculum at DACA is designed to engage students and prepare them for future opportunities, encompassing a wide range of subjects including technology, mathematics, science, modern foreign languages, and creative arts. The academy also boasts a strong sixth form, known for its excellent performance in both academic and vocational courses, ensuring that students are well-equipped for their next steps.
DACA places a strong emphasis on community involvement and personal development, encouraging students to respect diversity and contribute positively to their surroundings. The academy's mission is to help every student realise their potential and develop the skills necessary for successful and fulfilling lives.
Useful links
- Governance (governance)
- SEND Information (sen)
- Calendar (calendar)
- How to Access Remote Learning (download)
- Parent/Carer Handbook (download)
- Admissions (other)
- Policies and Statutory Information (other)
- DACA Welcome Principals Welcome "Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, an 11-18 Academy which “stands like a beacon in the heart of Darwen” (Ofsted 2017). Our Academy is founded on the entrepreneurial values of creativity, determination, pa (other)
- Sustainability Policy (other)
Nearby alternatives
- Darwen Vale High School (60.5)
- Darwen Moorland High School (45.2)
- Darwen Vale High School (45.2)
- Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio (42.4)
Key details
- LA
- Blackburn with Darwen
- Age range
- 11 - 19
- Boarders
- No boarders
- Sixth form
- Has a sixth form
- Trust
- ALDRIDGE EDUCATION
- Capacity
- 1600
- Pupils
- 1065
- Boys
- 572
- Girls
- 493
- FSM %
- 32.80
- Open date
- 2008-09-02
- Close date
- Last Ofsted
- 2022-12-15
- Next inspection
- Data snapshot
- 2025-07-14
- County
- Lancashire
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 1065 | 572 | 493 | 1600 | 32.80 |
| 2024-09-11 | 1068 | 566 | 502 | 1600 | 29.50 |
| 2023-09-11 | 1195 | 628 | 567 | 1600 | 25.90 |
| 2022-09-11 | 1195 | 628 | 567 | 1600 | 25.90 |
| 2021-09-11 | 1203 | 625 | 578 | 1600 | 22.00 |
| 2020-09-11 | 1247 | 615 | 632 | 1600 | 18.60 |
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