Barrowford School
Nelson, BB9 6EA · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
409th 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 — 1.6/10 against 1,504 of them, against 1.6/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| Ofsted | 5 | 35% | 0.18 |
| 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.
Barrowford School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% 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% 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 (1.6 out of 10 either way). An inspection in April 2026 assessed the school under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the choir, play football or netball, and attend both breakfast and after-school clubs.
Getting in
The published school roll is 312 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 working towards the expected standard in literacy? What specific activities are included in the after-school provision? How does the new inspection framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Barrowford School
Overview
The report describes a school that provides a "safe and inclusive environment" where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging and are well-supported for their wellbeing. However, it identifies significant weaknesses in academic achievement, attendance, and curriculum consistency, noting that pupils are "less prepared for secondary school than they should be" and that recent improvements have not yet translated into better outcomes.
Strengths
- The school fosters a culture where "pupils are made safer and feel safe," with effective support for those facing complex needs or barriers to learning.
- Staff build positive relationships, helping pupils manage their emotions and conduct, while bullying is described as "rare" and dealt with promptly.
- The personal development curriculum promotes "dignity, respect and the rights of the child," with pupils engaging in responsibilities such as rights ambassadors and school council roles.
- Disadvantaged pupils’ attainment is "close to that of disadvantaged pupils nationally," and leaders effectively use pupil premium funding to support them.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the curriculum is "clearly sequenced and consistently taught well" to help pupils build knowledge and skills, particularly in writing and early years.
- The school needs to improve attendance rates, which have been below national averages for three years, ensuring improvement work reaches all pupil groups.
- Leaders should develop staff expertise in adapting the curriculum for pupils with special educational needs in mainstream classrooms to ensure consistent provision.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed to keep pupils safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 38% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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 BB9 6EA, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT