Banks Methodist School
Southport, PR9 8EY · Lancashire · primary school
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427th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 1.0/10 against 1,202 of them, against 1.1/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 43.0 · 11 | 40% | 0.42 |
| 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.
Banks Methodist School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 43.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (1.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.1 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in January 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
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 have not yet reached the expected standard in core subjects? What specific activities take place during the breakfast and after-school clubs? How does the new inspection framework affect the school’s current improvement plans?
What Ofsted said about Banks Methodist School
Overview
The inspection found that safeguarding standards are met, with an open culture where concerns are actively managed. However, the report identifies significant weaknesses across achievement, attendance, curriculum, and leadership, noting that pupils’ learning experiences are uneven and some do not secure the knowledge needed for their next stage of education.
Strengths
- Behaviour is described as "calm and orderly," with pupils being "polite, respectful and welcoming."
- Staff create a supportive environment where pupils "feel safe and confident" and know who to approach for help.
- Leaders are "committed and reflective," understanding the community and showing consideration for staff wellbeing.
- Pupils benefit from wider experiences, such as eco-projects and sporting events, which broaden their understanding of the world.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure high-quality teaching in reading, writing, and mathematics, addressing issues where phonics lacks precision and errors go unaddressed.
- Attendance procedures need strengthening, as overall absence is above national averages and strategies are not precisely evaluated or consistently escalated.
- Governors should improve their strategic oversight to ensure leaders’ actions are precisely measured and lead to necessary improvements in classroom practice.
Safeguarding
The report states that "safeguarding standards are met," confirming that leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and pupils are made safer.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 29% |
| 2023/24 | 10% |
| 2024/25 | 43% |
| 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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