Balshaw Lane Community Primary School
Chorley, PR7 6NS · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
302nd 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 the 4,088 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.9/10 among them, against 3.5/10 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 62% | 1.98 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 38% | 1.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Balshaw Lane Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 5.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.9 out of 10 among them, against 3.5 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join clubs including Crochet, Film, Craft & Cookery, Gardening, Pet Club, Spanish and STEM. Sports options cover football, athletics, dance, gymnastics, yoga, cricket, judo and Tae Kwondo. Arts and music activities include DanceMania, Young Voices, Djembe Drumming, ukulele and recorders. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 382 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 school support pupils who are below the expected standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to improve attainment in the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Balshaw Lane Community Primary School
Overview
Balshaw Lane Community Primary School provides a positive and supportive learning environment where pupils feel well-cared for by staff who know them well. Pupils enjoy school and are proud to attend, demonstrating a strong understanding of core fundamental British values and a deep awareness of how the law protects people.
Strengths
- Pupils are proud to attend the school and enjoy school life.
- The school prioritises the teaching of reading, with early reading beginning in the Reception Year and a phonics programme helping children to learn the letters and sounds they need for reading and writing.
- The school's curriculum outlines what should be taught and when, with teachers confidently identifying connections within and between subjects.
- The school quickly identifies pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and works closely with parents and carers and outside agencies to meet these pupils' needs.
- Pupils benefit from an exemplary personal, social and health education that prepares them exceptionally well for life in and beyond the classroom.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, the school has not identified the important knowledge that pupils need to know and when this should be taught, making it more difficult for teachers to ensure that pupils acquire and remember essential subject knowledge over time.
Safeguarding
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 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| 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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