Bolton Primary School
Appleby-in-Westmorland, CA16 6AW · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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27th of 108 primary schools in Westmorland and Furness we can score, 121 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 4,305 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.6/10 among them, against 6.2/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bolton Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 11.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.6 out of 10 among them, against 6.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Art and Craft Explorers, Game On!, Bolton Bake Off, Nature Makers, and Film Fridays clubs, alongside Basic Moves and Dance. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 56 pupils against a stated capacity of 60. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities does the after-school club offer? How does the curriculum prepare children for the transition to secondary school?
What Ofsted said about Bolton Primary School
Overview
Bolton Primary School is rated as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories. The report describes a happy school with a strong ‘family feel’, where pupils are ‘kind and caring’ and achieve well in a ‘broad and ambitious’ curriculum.
Strengths
- Leaders have designed a curriculum that is ‘relevant to the local area’, helping pupils ‘develop a sense of place’.
- Reading is ‘prioritised across the school’, with an effective phonics curriculum and incentives that encourage pupils to ‘read widely and often’.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are ‘identified early’ and ‘supported effectively to learn the same curriculum as their classmates’.
- Staff benefit from leaders who ‘prioritise staff’s workload and well-being’, resulting in a workforce that ‘feels valued’.
- Pupils gain a ‘clear understanding of healthy relationships, fundamental British values and different faiths and cultures’ through specialist teaching.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure that ‘all staff have consistently high expectations of pupils’ learning and behaviour’ in a few subjects where this is currently lacking.
- Leaders should ensure teachers have a ‘consistent approach to identifying and addressing errors in pupils’ work’ so that learning is more secure.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with a strong culture of safety, although the system for recording concerns is described as ‘cumbersome’ and is being addressed by leaders.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 54% |
| 2023/24 | 80% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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