Accrington St Mary Magdalen's Church of England Primary School
Accrington, BB5 1DW · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
400th of 448 primary schools in Lancashire we can score, 481 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 3.2/10 against 1,323 of them, against 2.5/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| Ofsted | 1 | 35% | 0.03 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Accrington St Mary Magdalen's Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. An Ofsted inspection in January 2026 used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 176 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What does the new Ofsted report say about the quality of teaching in your child’s year group?
What Ofsted said about Accrington St Mary Magdalen's Church of England Primary School
Overview
The report states that the school "requires significant improvement" because it is "performing significantly less well than it might in all the circumstances reasonably be expected to perform." While attendance and behaviour are at an "Expected standard," achievement, curriculum, and early years provision require urgent or significant attention.
Strengths
- Leaders take "effective action" to reduce persistent absence, with numbers "reducing quickly."
- Staff establish "clear routines" and provide "kind and tailored support" for behaviour, resulting in rare bullying that is tackled "quickly."
- A "suitable" personal, social, health and economic curriculum helps pupils understand healthy relationships and British values.
- Pupils benefit from leadership roles, such as the "reflection gang" and school council, fostering a sense of citizenship and kindness.
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
Areas to improve
- The early years curriculum is "not ambitious enough" and does not prepare children well for Year 1.
- Many pupils have "gaps in their previous knowledge" in reading, writing, and mathematics, limiting achievement.
- Governors have not "challenged leaders sufficiently well," resulting in a "too slow" pace of improvement.
- Adaptations for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "not consistently effective."
Safeguarding
The report confirms that "safeguarding standards are met," noting that leaders have established an "open culture" where pupils are "made safer and feel safe."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 37% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of BB5 1DW, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT