Farnworth Church of England Controlled Primary School
Widnes, WA8 9HS · Halton · primary school
Check the area around this school
14th of 47 primary schools in Halton we can score, 49 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 3,317 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.0/10 among them, against 6.5/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Farnworth Church of England Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 13.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.0 out of 10 among them, against 6.5 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 414 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 core subjects? What specific trips or clubs are available for Year 6? How does the school manage transitions for children moving to secondary education?
What Ofsted said about Farnworth Church of England Controlled Primary School
Overview
The report describes the school as a close-knit community where “pupils feel that they are well cared for” and relationships are “positive and respectful.” Leaders maintain high expectations, resulting in pupils who are attentive, well-behaved, and achieve well across a “rich curriculum.” The inspection highlights a strong sense of team spirit among staff and overwhelmingly positive views from parents.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “well-designed,” with learning broken into “small steps” that help pupils build knowledge logically over time.
- Staff adapt teaching effectively for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they access the “same ambitious curriculum” and achieve well.
- Behaviour is excellent, with “low-level disruption” being “extremely rare” and pupils moving “calmly and sensibly” around the school.
- Early years provision is strong, with children settling well and gaining a “secure foundation” for their move to Year 1.
- Staff morale is high, with leaders being “considerate of staff’s workload and well-being” and fostering a “strong sense of team spirit.”
Areas to improve
- Some staff are still “honing their expertise” in delivering the phonics programme, meaning they do not always ensure pupils read books “matched closely enough to their phonics knowledge.”
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with staff trained to identify concerns quickly and leaders taking “swift action to support pupils.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 72% |
| 2023/24 | 78% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of WA8 9HS, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT