Garstang St Thomas' Church of England Primary School
Preston, PR3 1PB · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
10th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 9.2/10 against 3,647 of them, against 9.3/10 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 | 90.0 · 98 | 62% | 6.00 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 16.0 · 85 | 38% | 3.28 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Garstang St Thomas' Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 90.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 16.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join gardening, sewing, judo, Spanish, multi-sport, and speed stacking clubs, as well as football, tennis, netball, and athletics teams. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 257 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
What specific support is offered to pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How are the various clubs scheduled to ensure broad participation?
What Ofsted said about Garstang St Thomas' Church of England Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where “everyone... loves learning” and pupils demonstrate “exemplary behaviour” and “positive attitudes.” Leaders have established “exceptionally high expectations” for learning, resulting in “exceptionally high” achievement from the early years through to Year 6. The curriculum is “highly ambitious” and “highly successful,” with staff ensuring that key knowledge is understood and vocabulary is enriched.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “highly ambitious” and fits “seamlessly” across all year groups, with a strong focus on oracy and reading.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “make excellent progress” and receive “exceptional support” for speech and language development.
- Behaviour is described as “impeccable,” with pupils becoming “self-organised and independent” from a very young age.
- The school prioritises “joyful serving,” fostering “empathetic and considerate” relationships and a sense of community contribution.
- Early reading is taught “very effectively,” ensuring pupils leave Key Stage 1 as “confident readers.”
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 85% |
| 2023/24 | 86% |
| 2024/25 | 90% |
| 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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