Darwen, St Barnabas CofE Primary Academy
Darwen, BB3 2JA · Blackburn with Darwen · primary school
Check the area around this school
30th 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 the 3,836 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.0/10 among them, against 3.6/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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, St Barnabas CofE Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% 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%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.0 out of 10 among them, against 3.6 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join clubs including Forest Schools, Choir, and Doodle and Dance, alongside sports like Netball and Cross Country. Trips visit The Anderton Centre and PGL at Winmarleigh Hall. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 207 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 to reach the higher standard in maths? What does the Forest Schools programme involve for younger children?
What Ofsted said about Darwen, St Barnabas CofE Primary Academy
Overview
Darwen, St Barnabas CofE Primary Academy continues to be a good school, offering a "nurturing atmosphere" where pupils arrive "happy and ready to learn." Leaders maintain high expectations, fostering a culture where pupils work hard, behave well, and feel safe, with effective systems in place to support mental health and rebuild friendships.
Strengths
- Reading is a clear priority, with "well-trained staff" delivering phonics effectively and ensuring books are matched to pupils’ learned sounds.
- The curriculum is described as "broad, suitably ambitious and well-thought-out," allowing pupils to build securely on earlier learning in most subjects.
- Staff successfully identify and meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), adapting delivery so they access "high-quality learning."
- Pupils enjoy a wealth of personal development opportunities, including roles in the "worship our way" group and participation in clubs and sports.
- Governors work closely with leaders, and staff feel appreciated, benefiting from strategies to support workload and additional training.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, some teachers do not design learning that supports pupils to "build their knowledge securely and cumulatively over time," resulting in less effective learning for some pupils.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" where staff promptly report concerns and pupils have a well-developed understanding of risks.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 69% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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