Bowling Park Primary School
Bradford, BD5 8BT · Bradford · primary school
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40th of 156 primary schools in Bradford we can score, 157 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 — 8.2/10 against 1,414 of them, against 6.9/10 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) 2024/25 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| 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.
Bowling Park Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 11.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 615 pupils against a stated capacity of 708. 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 expected standard in maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school manage class sizes given the current number of places?
What Ofsted said about Bowling Park Primary School
Overview
Bowling Park Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The report describes a school where pupils are "curious and respectful learners" who respond well to high expectations in a "calm, purposeful atmosphere." Overall, the school is ambitious, with outcomes for pupils continuing to improve and a strong team culture among staff.
Strengths
- Pupils are "highly respectful of each other" and understand the importance of school values, which are "carefully threaded through the curriculum."
- The school prioritises reading, promoting a "love of reading" through initiatives like the annual ‘Festival of Stories’.
- In mathematics, pupils’ knowledge "builds logically" on previous learning, with frequent opportunities to develop problem-solving skills.
- Staff feel valued, and the multi-academy trust provides opportunities for professional development while considering workload.
- The school has "robust systems" to identify low attendance, resulting in improved attendance and a significant reduction in persistent absence.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure teachers "check learning carefully in lessons" regarding new sounds in reading, as insufficient checking means some pupils do not receive necessary support.
Safeguarding
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 | 51% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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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