Blackburn Primary School
Rotherham, S61 2BU · Rotherham · primary school
44th of 84 primary schools in Rotherham we can score, 96 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 — 4.1/10 against 2,853 of them, against 3.9/10 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Blackburn Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. Only 7.0% reached the higher standard. Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2023. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school offers both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 143 pupils against a stated capacity of 235. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the current class size affect individual attention for each child?
What Ofsted said about Blackburn Primary School
Overview
Blackburn Primary School continues to be a good school, providing a welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and are kind to one another. Leaders have established an ambitious curriculum with a strong focus on reading, ensuring pupils gain the knowledge needed for their next steps. The governing body holds leaders to account effectively, while staff feel well supported and proud of their work.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy attending the school, understanding rules and meeting high expectations, with bullying being rare.
- Leaders prioritise reading, introducing a new early reading programme with regular staff training and catch-up sessions, resulting in pupils reading with "fluency and confidence".
- The curriculum is carefully sequenced and checked by subject leaders, with teachers using resources well to help pupils understand content.
- Pupils develop as responsible citizens through roles such as house captains and eco-councillors, and participate in various clubs and sports.
- Most pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are well supported with additional guides to access learning.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure pupils have frequent opportunities to learn about people who are different to themselves to develop a deeper understanding of protected characteristics such as race and religion.
- Leaders should ensure teachers are better prepared with clear strategies to support pupils with complex social, emotional and mental health needs, as some currently struggle to engage in lessons.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving weekly updates and acting quickly to raise concerns, involving other agencies when necessary.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 59% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| England | 63% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the average across the 14,239 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level average, 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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