Cedars Primary School
Blackburn, BB1 8HQ · Blackburn with Darwen · primary school
Check the area around this school
11th of 51 primary schools in Blackburn with Darwen we can score, 56 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 — 7.4/10 against 3,405 of them, against 6.7/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| 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.
Cedars Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The school achieved a higher standard for 11.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
A breakfast club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 407 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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
With 13 places currently spare, how does the school manage waiting lists for specific entry years? Since the inspection was recent, what specific actions have been taken to maintain the Good rating? How does the school support pupils who are not yet meeting the expected standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Cedars Primary School
Overview
Cedars Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school is described as a "warm and welcoming" environment where pupils feel supported, safe, and happy. Leaders have successfully addressed previous areas for improvement, including ensuring pupils develop a "firmer grasp of fundamental British values."
Strengths
- The school implements a "well-designed curriculum" with clearly outlined knowledge, enabling pupils to build a "secure body of knowledge" in many subjects.
- Teachers use assessment strategies effectively to spot errors and provide "swift guidance," helping pupils address misconceptions quickly.
- Early reading is prioritised through an effective phonics programme, ensuring most pupils become "fluent, confident readers."
- Pupils benefit from a range of wider experiences, including trips and extra-curricular clubs, and take on leadership roles such as "playground leaders" and "school councillors."
- Staff workload is managed considerately, with leaders refining assessment practices that staff find "less onerous."
Areas to improve
- The school should refine how it supports some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), as curriculum delivery is not always adapted consistently well for them, which can hinder their achievement.
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 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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
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 BB1 8HQ, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT