Bowerham Primary & Nursery School
Lancaster, LA1 4BS · Lancashire · primary school
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84th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 4.8/10 against 4,208 of them, against 5.2/10 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.56 |
| Ofsted | 92 | 35% | 3.20 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bowerham Primary & Nursery School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. A higher 12.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.2 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in January 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join the School Choir, Drama groups, Lego, and Casual Club. Music lessons cover ukulele, glockenspiel, flute, guitar, violin, and piano keyboard, with performances at the Lancaster Music, Jazz, and Singing Festivals and the Christmas Pantomime in Lytham. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 498 pupils against a stated capacity of 532. 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 are included in the Casual Club? How are places allocated if demand exceeds the 34 spare spots?
What Ofsted said about Bowerham Primary & Nursery School
Overview
Bowerham Primary & Nursery School is described as a warm, caring community where pupils are known and valued. The inspection highlights a highly ambitious, inclusive curriculum and strong leadership that fosters high attendance, excellent behaviour, and a culture of trust among staff.
Strengths
- Leaders maintain a "consistent focus on pupils' attendance and behaviour," underpinned by a "clear culture of care, high expectations and inclusion."
- The curriculum is "highly ambitious, well ordered and inclusive," helping every pupil build "secure knowledge and skills."
- Teaching succeeds because teachers "know their subjects well and explain new ideas with great clarity," using effective strategies to help pupils remember key learning.
- The early years environment is "warm, purposeful and highly nurturing," with staff using "expert teaching" to support high-quality language development.
- Governors are "highly effective," bringing expertise to shape the school’s culture and holding leaders to account for ensuring all pupils thrive.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should build on their work to "secure consistency in pupils’ spelling and handwriting skills across the wider curriculum."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| 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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