About Fold Head

Fold Head is a small locality situated in Lancashire, England, within the OL12 postcode area. It is primarily a residential area, characterised by its close-knit community and local amenities. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities, such as walking and cycling, making it a suitable spot for those who enjoy nature. The area is conveniently located near the town of Rochdale, which provides additional facilities, including shops, schools, and healthcare services. Public transport links are accessible, allowing for easy travel to nearby towns and cities. Fold Head serves as a peaceful place for families and individuals seeking a quieter lifestyle while remaining within reach of urban conveniences.

School Ratings in Fold Head

There are 114 schools in and around Fold Head. Kentmere Primary Academy and Rochdale Sixth Form College are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 16 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Fold Head

The average property price is £170K, with terraced houses making up the majority of the housing stock at around £117K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Fold Head

Recorded crime levels are lower than the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Fold Head, with 7 recorded incidents in January 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Fold Head

Fold Head falls within the more deprived areas of England, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Broadband and Mobile Internet in Fold Head

Broadband speeds in Fold Head are generally strong, with superfast and ultrafast options widely available. Mobile coverage across 4G and 5G networks is reliable throughout most of the area. For the latest speed predictions, visit Ofcom's broadband checker.

Property Prices 5,631 sales

Average Price £170K
£400 — £3.36M
Detached £282K 1,156
Semi £165K 1,486
Terraced £117K 2,337
Flat £100K 325

Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools

67 Primary
10 Secondary
37 Other
Whitworth Children's Centre 0.2 miles St Bartholomew's Church of England Primary School Primary Good 0.2 miles Whitworth Community High School Secondary Good 0.4 miles Tonacliffe Primary School Primary 0.4 miles Our Lady and St Anselm's Roman Catholic Primary School, Whitworth Primary Good 0.8 miles Shawclough Community Primary School Primary 1.5 miles Healey Foundation Primary School Primary Good 1.5 miles Healey Learning Centre Good 1.7 miles Willow View School Good 1.8 miles St James' Church of England Primary School Primary Good 1.8 miles Great Howarth School Good 1.8 miles St John With St Michael Church of England Primary School Primary 1.8 miles

Deprivation and Employment in Fold Head IMD 2025

Fold Head falls within the more deprived areas of England according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment opportunities can be more limited and household incomes tend to sit below the national average. Investment in local services and regeneration continues to support the community.

Overall Deprivation
3/10
Income
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
4/10
Health
3/10
Housing
3/10
Living Environment
5/10
15,133 Children (0-15) 22%
43,330 Working Age 62%
15,315 Older (60+) 22%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 46.3% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 29.3% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Fold Head 20 crimes · January 2026

Low Crime Area

Fold Head records relatively low levels of reported crime compared to national averages. Anti-social behaviour is the most commonly logged offence type, though overall numbers remain modest. The area is generally considered a safe and settled town with a strong sense of community.

7 Anti-Social Behaviour
5 Violence & Sexual Offences
2 Drugs
2 Other Crime
1 Burglary
1 Other Theft
1 Public Order
1 Vehicle Crime
Local Policing
Lancashire Whitworth Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

Smithy Bridge Train Station 3 miles
Rochdale Train Station 3.1 miles
Littleborough Train Station 3.2 miles
Walsden Train Station 4.1 miles
Castleton (Manchester) Train Station 4.2 miles
Todmorden Train Station 5.2 miles

Location

Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found

Wallbank 0.6 miles Whitworth 0.6 miles Broadley 0.6 miles Facit 1.2 miles Millgate 1.2 miles Healey 1.2 miles Catley Lane Head 1.4 miles Syke 1.4 miles Great Howarth 1.8 miles Buckley 1.8 miles Shawclough 1.9 miles Wardle 2 miles

Local Government

District Rochdale
County Lancashire
Ward Healey
Constituency Rochdale
Parish Rochdale, unparished area
Region North West

Streets in OL12 30 shown View all streets

Aberdeen Gardens 1 Acre Street 4 Ada Street 1 Aden Street 1 Ainsdale Drive 1 Ainsworth Street 1 Albert Street 1 Albury Drive 1 Alder Meadow Close 1 Alderbank 1 Alderman Foley Drive 1 Alfred Street 1 Alice Street 1 Alicia Drive 2 All Saints Terrace 1 Alma Street 1 Alpine Drive 2 Amy Street 1 Armstrong Hurst Close 1 Ash Close 1 Ashbrook Crescent 1 Ashbrook Hey Lane 4 Ashmount Drive 1 Ashworth Street 3 Aspen Gardens 1 Athol Street 2 Augusta Close 1 Augusta Street 1 Back Patience Street 1 Bagnall Close 1

Postcodes in OL12 50 shown View all postcodes

OL12 0AA OL12 0AD OL12 0AE OL12 0AF OL12 0AG OL12 0AH OL12 0AJ OL12 0AL OL12 0AN OL12 0AP OL12 0AR OL12 0AS OL12 0AT OL12 0AU OL12 0AW OL12 0AX OL12 0AY OL12 0AZ OL12 0BA OL12 0BD OL12 0BE OL12 0BF OL12 0BG OL12 0BH OL12 0BJ OL12 0BL OL12 0BN OL12 0BP OL12 0BQ OL12 0BS OL12 0BT OL12 0BU OL12 0BW OL12 0BX OL12 0BY OL12 0BZ OL12 0DH OL12 0DN OL12 0DP OL12 0DQ OL12 0DR OL12 0DS OL12 0DU OL12 0DX OL12 0DY OL12 0DZ OL12 0EA OL12 0EB OL12 0ED OL12 0EE