Cottam Primary School
Preston, PR4 0NY · Lancashire · primary school
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412nd 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 4,250 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.4/10 among them, against 1.2/10 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 | 45.0 · 13 | 62% | 0.78 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cottam Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.4 out of 10 among them, against 1.2 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 308 pupils against a stated capacity of 308. 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 results below the national median, what specific support is available for pupils who are not meeting expected standards? How does the school monitor progress for the 0.0% who reached the higher standard? What are the current entry criteria for the next academic year?
What Ofsted said about Cottam Primary School
Overview
Cottam Primary School is described as a place where pupils are "happy and safe," building strong relationships with staff that inspire them to help others. The school maintains high expectations, fostering a "calm and productive learning environment" where pupils grow in confidence and demonstrate good manners. Leaders have improved the curriculum to be "broad and ambitious," ensuring pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are successful alongside their peers.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy a "range of clubs" and educational visits, such as a residential trip to Snowdonia, which develop their talents and broaden their horizons.
- Teachers typically possess "strong subject knowledge" and use targeted questioning to gauge progress, revisiting content that is not secure to shape future learning.
- Reading is a clear priority; staff are well trained in phonics, ensuring most pupils become "confident and fluent readers" by the end of key stage 1.
- The school promotes personal development effectively, encouraging pupils to take on leadership roles and learn about different faiths, cultures, and mental health.
- Governors "know the school well" and provide meaningful support and challenge to leaders, while staff workload and well-being are carefully considered.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, older pupils have "gaps in their learning" due to previous curriculum weaknesses; the school must ensure the new curriculum routinely identifies and addresses these gaps.
- Support for a very small minority of pupils at the earliest stages of reading is "sometimes not effective"; staff need skills to address phonics gaps quickly so these pupils catch up with peers.
Safeguarding
The report states that "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 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 45% |
| 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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