Blacko Primary School
Nelson, BB9 6LS · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
61st 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 1,615 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.8/10 among them, against 8.1/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 17.0 · 87 | 25% | 2.18 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Blacko Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 17.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.8 out of 10 among them, against 8.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 103 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 curriculum support pupils aiming for the higher standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about Blacko Primary School
Overview
Blacko Primary School continues to be a good school, where leaders, staff and pupils work closely to fulfil a mission of being “respectful, collaborative and ambitious”. Pupils benefit from a wealth of opportunities, including residential trips and active community roles, developing as “caring, thoughtful citizens” in a setting described as “like a family”.
Strengths
- Leaders provide a “broad, balanced and interesting curriculum” that makes good use of the school’s location, such as local geography and history.
- Reading is central to the curriculum, with pupils developing as “fluent readers” who “read for pleasure” supported by a well-stocked library and effective phonics teaching.
- Staff provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they can access the same curriculum as their peers.
- Relationships are “warm and friendly”, with pupils behaving well and feeling safe, knowing leaders will deal with bullying “promptly and appropriately”.
- The trust provides “wide-ranging and effective support” to leaders, fostering collaboration and considering staff workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- Most teaching staff are new and lack a secure understanding of how learning builds year-on-year; leaders should “continue to develop and deepen teachers’ understanding of the curriculum” to ensure it is taught as intended.
- In some subjects other than mathematics and English, checks on pupil progress are at an “early stage of implementation”, meaning teachers do not always know how well pupils are progressing.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and working closely with external agencies to protect pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 80% |
| 2023/24 | 93% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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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