Blackrod Primary School
BOLTON, BL6 5SY · Bolton · primary school
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5th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 8.2/10 against 3,755 of them, against 8.5/10 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 | 78.0 · 84 | 40% | 3.36 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| 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.
Blackrod Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 78.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 17.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in May 2024. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (8.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Sunflower Club, participate in Sports Day, and visit The Anderton Centre.
Getting in
The published school roll is 311 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 do not reach the expected standard? What does a typical day look like for a child in Sunflower Club? How does the school manage the transition for new starters given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about Blackrod Primary School
Overview
Pupils at Blackrod Primary School are described as flourishing, happy, and exceptionally well-prepared for modern society. The report highlights an ‘exceptional curriculum’ and ‘exceedingly high expectations’ for behaviour, which create calm, purposeful lessons where pupils are engrossed in their learning. Leaders and staff are determined to provide the highest quality of education, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieve extremely well.
Strengths
- Staff are ‘experts in designing and delivering the curriculum’, with ‘meticulous’ attention to detail ensuring pupils build a ‘rich and comprehensive body of knowledge’.
- The school prioritises staff professional development, resulting in a workforce that is ‘overwhelmingly happy and proud to work at the school’.
- Pupils benefit from an ‘aspirational approach’ and wide-ranging opportunities, such as learning photography or British Sign Language, which help them ‘blossom into confident and knowledgeable individuals’.
- Reading is enthusiastically promoted through initiatives like the ‘masked reader’ challenge and a dedicated ‘reading den’, while phonics are delivered to a ‘consistently high standard’.
- Personal development is ‘exceptional’, with pupils actively engaged in the local community through projects like ‘cooking up connections’ and outdoor learning in the school’s forest area.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
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 | 79% |
| 2023/24 | 83% |
| 2024/25 | 78% |
| 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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