Bacup Thorn Primary School
Bacup, OL13 8EF · Lancashire · primary school
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212nd 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 — 5.6/10 against 1,641 of them, against 4.5/10 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 | 61.0 · 41 | 40% | 1.65 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bacup Thorn Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 61.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 253 pupils against a stated capacity of 276. 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 specific support is available for pupils who need extra help with reading? How does the school ensure that all pupils, regardless of background, have equal access to extracurricular activities?
What Ofsted said about Bacup Thorn Primary School
Overview
Pupils thrive at this "happy and welcoming school," where there is a "shared sense of community" between staff, pupils, and parents. The school maintains high standards across all inspection categories, with leaders ensuring a "well-designed curriculum" that is suitably matched to pupils’ needs and interests.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "suitably broad and ambitious," with teachers possessing the "subject-specific expertise" needed to design effective learning.
- Reading is "at the heart of the school’s curriculum," enabling most pupils to become "confident and enthusiastic readers" through secure phonics knowledge.
- Pupils benefit from a "well-considered personal development offer" that broadens horizons through careers conventions, trips, and extra-curricular activities.
- Staff provide "suitable support" for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, helping them to "learn effectively" and settle in quickly.
- Behaviour is typically motivated and engaged, with disruption in lessons being "rare" and pupils learning to interact "kindly" with others.
Areas to improve
- In one or two subjects, staff do not identify where some pupils have forgotten prior learning quickly enough, leading to gaps in knowledge that hinder deeper understanding.
- The school should ensure pupils are supported through strategies to help them remember learning over time to address these gaps swiftly.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 61% |
| 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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