Fulwood and Cadley Primary School
Preston, PR2 3QT · Lancashire · primary school
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406th 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 2,924 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.4/10 among them, against 1.9/10 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 | 41.0 · 9 | 40% | 0.35 |
| Ofsted | 1 | 35% | 0.02 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Fulwood and Cadley Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 41.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0%, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.4 out of 10 among them, against 1.9 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a breakfast club, an after-school club, and the Cadley Kids Club. Pupils also participate in swimming and Forest School.
Getting in
The published school roll is 320 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 curriculum support pupils who are below the expected standard in core subjects? What specific activities are included in the Forest School sessions?
What Ofsted said about Fulwood and Cadley Primary School
Overview
The report states that the school "requires special measures" because it is "failing to provide an acceptable standard of education" and leaders are "not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement." Safeguarding standards are "not met," placing pupils at "significant risk of harm" due to an inadequate culture and supervision.
Strengths
- In the early years, "most children develop a secure understanding of phonics" and "typically use this knowledge effectively to begin to read words accurately."
- "Children work well together" and "develop positive relationships with staff," who "interact well with the children, using language that supports and extends their understanding of vocabulary."
- "Staff know the children well" and "work productively with parents and carers," helping children "develop confidence and resilience during the Reception Year."
- The "relationships and sex education that pupils experience at school is effective," ensuring pupils are "well prepared for the changes that will happen to their bodies."
- Pupils "take part in a range of clubs, trips and other experiences to broaden their skills and talents," which "help build pupils' confidence."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must "develop a positive safeguarding culture so that pupils feel safe and are safe when at school."
- Leaders must ensure there is a "coherent curriculum that is delivered well by teachers so that pupils build a secure body of knowledge across the curriculum," particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Leaders must ensure teachers are "suitably equipped to identify and then resolve gaps in pupils' basic reading, writing and mathematics knowledge."
- Leaders must "identify the needs of pupils who face barriers to learning, especially pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)" and ensure they receive necessary support.
- Governors must "meet all of their statutory duties" and gain the expertise to "offer well-informed challenge to leaders."
Safeguarding
The report states that "leaders have not ensured that there is an open and positive safeguarding culture at the school," which "puts pupils at significant risk of harm," and that leaders "do not carry out their safeguarding responsibilities sufficiently well."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 49% |
| 2023/24 | 49% |
| 2024/25 | 41% |
| 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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