Darwen St James CofE Primary Academy
Darwen, BB3 0EY · Blackburn with Darwen · primary school
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48th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.6/10 against 1,641 of them, against 0.8/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 37.0 · 6 | 62% | 0.37 |
| 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.
Darwen St James CofE Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 37.0% 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%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a Computing Club using Microbits, participate in the Festival of Sport, Progressive Sports Holiday Club, Year 6 Bike Ability, and an Orienteering Competition. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 203 pupils against a stated capacity of 265. 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 are below the expected standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for children who need extra help with reading or maths?
What Ofsted said about Darwen St James CofE Primary Academy
Overview
The report describes the school as being "on a journey" of improvement, noting that it "no longer requires special measures." While pupils are "proud to attend" and benefit from positive relationships, the quality of education and leadership require improvement due to recent curriculum changes that have not yet fully impacted learning.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy "positive relationships" with friends and staff, with peer mediators supporting "positive breaktimes."
- Children in the early years benefit from an "effective curriculum" and are "well prepared for the challenges of key stage 1."
- Reading provision is strong, with staff providing "effective support" for struggling readers, leading to improved "fluency and confidence."
- Attendance rates are "improving" due to "swift and effective action" taken to support pupils and families.
- Staff morale is "high," and leaders share a "determination to continue the school’s journey of improvement."
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure new curriculums are "implemented consistently well" so pupils gain a "strong body of knowledge" and address existing gaps.
- Staff should use available information to "adapt their teaching to meet the needs of pupils with SEND" more effectively.
- Leaders must check that pupils have "successfully embedded the prior knowledge" before moving on to new content to prevent insecure learning.
- The school should provide subject leaders with the "expertise and knowledge" needed to lead their curriculum areas effectively.
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 | 19% |
| 2023/24 | 28% |
| 2024/25 | 37% |
| 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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