Blackshaw Primary School
Bolton, BL2 6TE · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
35th 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 — 6.1/10 against 3,495 of them, against 5.8/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 62% | 3.86 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 38% | 1.95 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Blackshaw Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (6.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 218 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 do not reach the expected standard? How are places allocated for new entrants given the current over-capacity status?
What Ofsted said about Blackshaw Primary School
Overview
Pupils are described as “proud and happy” within a “warm and friendly” community where they demonstrate “mature attitudes towards differences.” The school maintains high expectations for achievement, with most pupils performing well and benefiting from a broad curriculum enriched by clubs, trips, and a strong focus on reading.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, understanding the importance of perseverance and curiosity, and behave well across the school.
- Reading is a clear priority, with staff fostering a love of books through carefully chosen texts, library visits, and poetry assemblies.
- The school provides rich experiences, including sports, science, gardening, and the choir, alongside opportunities to care for a therapy dog.
- Staff workload and well-being are supported through training and additional time, leading to positive staff morale.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are identified quickly and fully included in school life alongside their peers.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, including early years, the school must refine curriculum content and sequencing to ensure teachers consistently build on prior learning.
- The school should support staff to implement the curriculum more consistently and check pupils’ understanding of new concepts more routinely.
Safeguarding
The report states that “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 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 43% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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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