Bilsborrow John Cross Church of England Primary School
Preston, PR3 0RE · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
65th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.5/10 against 3,670 of them, against 7.9/10 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 | 82.0 · 90 | 40% | 3.62 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bilsborrow John Cross Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 82.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 9.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Glow club, Singing club, and swimming.
Getting in
The published school roll is 84 pupils against a stated capacity of 70. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard? How are the Glow and Singing clubs structured for different age groups?
What Ofsted said about Bilsborrow John Cross Church of England Primary School
Overview
Bilsborrow John Cross Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school, described as a "safe and happy place for pupils to learn." Leaders and staff maintain high expectations, fostering positive relationships and ensuring pupils are "respectful, thoughtful and kind." The school provides a calm, orderly environment where children enjoy learning and benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities.
Strengths
- Pupils receive "high levels of care, guidance and support," with staff forging positive relationships and dealing quickly with any bullying.
- The teaching of reading is a priority, with staff trained to deliver the curriculum expertly and using a consistent phonics approach across the school.
- Leaders have designed a curriculum that helps pupils learn "a great deal of knowledge," capitalising on local heritage and using the woodland area for science.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified timely and achieve well, accessing the same curriculum as their peers through adapted delivery.
- Governors are "knowledgeable and ambitious," working closely with leaders who are mindful of staff workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, the curriculum attempts to cover too much content, meaning some pupils do not gain sufficient depth of knowledge about important topics and concepts.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with all staff receiving regular training and leaders responding robustly to referrals and keeping accurate records.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 82% |
| 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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