Avondale Primary School
Darwen, BB3 1NN · Blackburn with Darwen · primary school
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9th of 51 primary schools in Blackburn with Darwen we can score, 56 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 — 8.3/10 against 2,490 of them, against 7.2/10 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 | 72.0 · 71 | 40% | 2.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Avondale Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 72.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 12.0% achieved this against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the School Council, Eco Schools, Forest Schools, and Mini Police clubs. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 400 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 Forest Schools programme fit into the weekly timetable? What specific support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about Avondale Primary School
Overview
Avondale Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils are "respectful and kind" and enjoy positive relationships with staff. Leaders maintain "high expectations" for conduct and achievement, ensuring most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieve well.
Strengths
- Pupils are "happy at this school" and feel safe, with trusted adults available to address any worries or rare cases of bullying.
- The curriculum is "carefully sequenced" to build on strong early years foundations, with a particular emphasis on local history and culture.
- Leaders have prioritised reading, delivering an effective phonics programme that helps most pupils become "confident and fluent readers."
- Pupils with SEND are "well supported" to access the curriculum alongside peers, with timely and appropriate assistance secured.
- Staff use subject knowledge effectively, and governors provide a "clear and ambitious vision" for the school.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure staff receive support to "rectify the misconceptions that some pupils have," as these are not always addressed in a timely manner, leaving some pupils less prepared for new learning.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders conducting necessary employment checks, ensuring staff receive appropriate training, and responding timely to concerns to keep pupils safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 64% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 72% |
| 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
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