Blackthorn Primary School
Northampton, NN3 8EP · West Northamptonshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
61st of 138 primary schools in West Northamptonshire we can score, 147 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 — 6.2/10 against 2,017 of them, against 5.1/10 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Blackthorn Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 4.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
A breakfast club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 236 pupils against a stated capacity of 266. 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 working towards the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are offered during the lunchtime break? How does the school monitor progress for children who joined recently?
What Ofsted said about Blackthorn Primary School
Overview
Blackthorn Primary School is described as a "thriving" institution where pupils feel "joyful," "safe," and "proud." The report highlights a "strong culture of care" and an "air of optimism," with staff maintaining "very high expectations" for both personal and academic development.
Strengths
- Leaders have developed a "clear and ambitious curriculum" that ensures pupils build knowledge gradually, particularly in mathematics and history.
- Reading is a "high priority," with a "consistent approach to the teaching of phonics" and books closely matched to pupils’ learning.
- Staff provide "strong support" for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, who follow the same curriculum as their mainstream peers.
- Pupils behave well, are "polite and respectful," and have a "very clear understanding of difference and equality."
- Parents and carers are "overwhelmingly positive," appreciating the support and the way the school has "gone above and beyond."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND, "know more and remember more" of the curriculum, as there are currently inconsistencies in recall in some subjects.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with "meticulous" record-keeping, regular training for staff, and a system where staff "pass on concerns promptly."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 44% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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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