Bolton by Bowland Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Clitheroe, BB7 4NP · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
336th 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 3,647 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.1/10 among them, against 3.9/10 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) 2023/24 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 10 | 35% | 0.34 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2023/24 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bolton by Bowland Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2023/24, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 63%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 6%. An inspection in June 2026 used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.1 out of 10 among them, against 3.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils attend a Drawing Club and visit Bolton Abbey. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 25 pupils against a stated capacity of 58. 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 higher standard in core subjects? What specific activities are included in the Drawing Club sessions? How does the school manage the transition for children joining from other primary schools?
What Ofsted said about Bolton by Bowland Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Overview
The report describes a small rural school where pupils thrive in a "warm, family atmosphere" and develop a "deep sense of belonging." Leaders have established an "accurate oversight" of the school, ensuring that "pupils, including those who face barriers to their learning, consistently achieve well" and are "ready to move on confidently."
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "kindness" and "respectful relationships," with behaviour issues and bullying being "extremely rare."
- The curriculum is "ambitious" and "clearly sequenced," allowing pupils to "build on prior knowledge" and make "suitable progress."
- Staff provide "high-quality training" and "tailor support" effectively, ensuring all pupils, including those with special educational needs, are "well supported to succeed."
- Attendance is managed proactively, with leaders taking a "highly-personalised approach" to keep absence to a minimum.
- Personal development is enriched by "flourishing days" and trips, helping pupils become "well prepared for life beyond school."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure staff checks on learning are developed to "identify and address pupils’ misconceptions in a timely manner."
- Leaders should support teachers to make "highly-effective choices when teaching writing and spelling" so pupils apply skills more consistently.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 89% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| England | 63% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,190 state schools in England we hold a 2023/24 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of BB7 4NP, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT