Belthorn Academy Primary School
Blackburn, BB1 2NY · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
162nd 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 4,206 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.5/10 among them, against 5.6/10 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 | 73.0 · 73 | 40% | 2.93 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Belthorn Academy Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 73.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. However, 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.5 out of 10 among them, against 5.6 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access a breakfast club and an after-school club. Activities include Sign Language, Sewing, Scooter Running, Roller Skating, Recorder, Origami, Photography, and Maths clubs. Sports options cover Netball, Lego, Gardening, Football, Cricket, and Boxercise, while arts and music include Fashion, Dance, Cookery, and Baking.
Getting in
The published school roll is 238 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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
Since the higher standard attainment is lower than the national median, what specific support is provided to pupils aiming for greater depth? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll exceeds the designated places?
What Ofsted said about Belthorn Academy Primary School
Overview
Belthorn Academy Primary School continues to be a good school, characterised by a "happy and close-knit school community" where staff know pupils well. The report highlights high ambitions for achievement, particularly in English and mathematics, alongside a strong focus on personal development and pupil well-being.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well in core subjects, with teachers delivering content in a "coherent, effective way" that builds a "secure body of knowledge".
- The school fosters a "love of reading," with pupils developing into "confident and fluent readers" through consistent phonics instruction.
- Personal development is a "particular strength," offering a "wide range of broader opportunities" such as clubs, trips, and competitions to help pupils "ignite their own passions".
- Staff workload is managed effectively, and governors are "effective in their roles" with a clear understanding of their duties.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "typically achieve well" due to appropriate identification systems and specialist support.
Areas to improve
- The school must review the design of subject curriculums that are "not as well developed" to ensure pupils are taught a "rich body of knowledge in a logical way" across all subjects.
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 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 73% |
| 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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