Bishop Bridgeman CofE Primary School
Bolton, BL3 6PY · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
57th of 88 primary schools in Bolton we can score, 97 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 — 4.8/10 against 2,515 of them, against 4.1/10 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 | 61.0 · 41 | 40% | 1.65 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bishop Bridgeman CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 61.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 5.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 484 pupils against a stated capacity of 472. 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 inspection was in early 2023, what specific improvements have been made to teaching since then? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Bishop Bridgeman CofE Primary School
Overview
The report describes a "caring school" where pupils are "happy to attend" and feel safe within an inclusive community. Leaders maintain "high expectations for all pupils," resulting in strong behaviour and effective support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Strengths
- Pupils "behave very well," demonstrating they are "polite and respectful" and get on with their work "without disruption."
- Leaders have designed an "ambitious curriculum" with clear expectations, helping pupils "secure a rich body of subject knowledge" through regular recall and cross-subject connections.
- Reading is "prioritised from the moment that children start school," with a well-trained phonics programme and high-quality texts matched to pupils’ abilities.
- Staff feel "valued" and "very happy working at this school," with leaders being "cognisant of their workload" and well-being.
- Pupils take on meaningful responsibilities, such as serving as "children’s chaplains," which teaches them to "look after each other" and resolve friendship issues.
Areas to improve
- In "one or two subjects," leaders have not "thought carefully enough about how the curriculum is organised from the early years through to Year 6," hindering learning continuity.
- "Some older pupils do not read as fluently as they should," although effective support is currently helping them catch up.
- There are occasional "slight weaknesses in how some teachers adapt the delivery of the curriculum for some pupils with SEND," though plans are in place to address this.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting a "strong culture of safeguarding" where staff are regularly trained to identify risks and report concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 64% |
| 2024/25 | 61% |
| 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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