Chorley St James' Church of England Primary School
Chorley, PR6 0TE · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
137th 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 4,224 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.8/10 among them, against 3.8/10 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 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Chorley St James' Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 6.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in July 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.8 out of 10 among them, against 3.8 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Young Entomologist Club and Gardening Club, while sports include swimming, the Daily Mile, and Outdoor and Adventurous Activities. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 229 pupils against a stated capacity of 180. 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
What specific support is provided for pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? How are the daily outdoor activities integrated into the timetable?
What Ofsted said about Chorley St James' Church of England Primary School
Overview
This is an “exceptional school” where “pupils flourish” and “everyone feels valued regardless of their differences.” Leaders are “highly ambitious for all pupils,” ensuring that even those with special educational needs and/or disabilities “achieve extremely well.” The report highlights a culture where pupils “behave impeccably” and feel safe, supported by staff who are “vigilant to potential safeguarding issues.”
Strengths
- Leaders have designed a “highly ambitious curriculum” that is “aspirational and highly effective,” enabling all pupils to be successful from the early years onwards.
- Teachers “skilfully connect new learning with the knowledge that pupils already have” and use effective strategies to identify and address gaps in understanding.
- Reading sits “at the heart of the curriculum,” with “highly trained staff” teaching phonics effectively so that “many pupils become fluent and confident readers by the end of key stage 1.”
- Pupils excel in leadership opportunities, such as the eco-committee and school council, which build their understanding of how they can “influence change for the greater good.”
- Staff provide “high-quality support” for pupils with SEND, ensuring they “access the same curriculum as their peers and achieve highly.”
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with leaders and staff being “vigilant to potential safeguarding issues” and responding to concerns in a “timely manner.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 70% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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