Darwen Aldridge Sudell Primary
Darwen, BB3 3EB · Blackburn with Darwen · primary school
Check the area around this school
43rd 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 — 4.5/10 against 1,118 of them, against 3.4/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 40% | 1.97 |
| Ofsted | 6 | 35% | 0.19 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Darwen Aldridge Sudell Primary overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, matching the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, compared to the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 167 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 have not yet reached the higher standard in core subjects? What specific steps are taken to raise attainment in reading, writing and maths for the majority of the cohort? How does the new Ofsted framework influence current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Darwen Aldridge Sudell Primary
Overview
The report describes a "welcoming school community" where pupils are "happy and proud" and behave well. While leaders have successfully improved attendance and redesigned the curriculum, the inspection notes that it is "too early to see the full impact" of these changes, with pupil achievement remaining variable and inconsistent.
Strengths
- Pupils "behave well," are "polite, respectful and well mannered," and incidents of bullying are "rare."
- Leaders provide an "effective and carefully crafted personal development programme" including high-quality trips and clubs.
- Attendance rates are now "in line with national averages," with effective support for those struggling to attend.
- Staff "know pupils well" and provide effective support for emotional management and inclusion.
- The revised curriculum is described as "ambitious and well organised," helping teachers acquire necessary subject knowledge.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure teachers "check and address gaps in pupils’ knowledge consistently well," particularly in foundational reading and writing.
- Governors should take timely action to ensure suitable support is provided when pupils are not achieving or attending as expected.
- Leaders should ensure early years children develop "accurate and correctly formed letters and numerals" to better prepare them for Year 1.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 28% |
| 2023/24 | 13% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| 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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