Bickerstaffe CofE Primary School and Nursery
Ormskirk, L39 0EH · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
354th 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 — 0.8/10 against 2,392 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
Bickerstaffe CofE Primary School and Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 43.0% 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%, 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 (0.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2024.
Getting in
The published school roll is 90 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 to bridge the gap between the expected and higher standards in core subjects? What specific strategies are in place to improve attainment in maths, given the 2024/25 results? How does the nursery phase transition into Year 1 to ensure continuity in learning?
What Ofsted said about Bickerstaffe CofE Primary School and Nursery
Overview
Bickerstaffe CofE Primary School and Nursery is described as a "warm and welcoming place" where pupils are "keen to learn" and feel "safe and supported." The school fosters a positive culture aligned with its vision to ‘Love life, love learning, love each other’, resulting in a "calm and purposeful atmosphere" where pupils behave well and take pride in their work.
Strengths
- The school has established a "well-structured curriculum" which is "ambitious for all pupils," including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Early years provision is particularly strong, with a "well-thought-through curriculum" that helps children be "exceptionally well prepared for key stage 1."
- Reading is prioritised effectively; staff deliver a consistent phonics programme and use "regular checks" to ensure struggling pupils receive "quickly effective support."
- Pupils with SEND are "identified early," allowing families to access necessary support, and these pupils "achieve well."
- Staff benefit from a "positive and supportive culture" under the ‘Team Bickerstaffe’ ethos, with governors providing knowledgeable challenge and support.
Areas to improve
- In a "small number of subjects," the school has not "clearly identified the important blocks of knowledge and skills" or the sequence in which they should be taught.
- Consequently, some pupils "do not learn as well as they could" and "struggle to retain and recall some aspects of their learning" in these specific areas.
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 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 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
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 L39 0EH, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT