Great Harwood St Bartholomew's Parish Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Blackburn, BB6 7QA · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
258th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 4.3/10 against 2,222 of 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 40% | 1.47 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
Great Harwood St Bartholomew's Parish Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% 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% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Musical Theatre and Dance clubs, with both breakfast and after-school clubs available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 180 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 who are below the national median in core subjects? What specific activities are included in the Musical Theatre and Dance clubs?
What Ofsted said about Great Harwood St Bartholomew's Parish Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Overview
Great Harwood St Bartholomew’s is described as a “friendly and welcoming place” where pupils are “happy and well cared for.” The school has moved past a period of instability to become “settled,” with an “ambitious and well-thought-out curriculum” that supports most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, to achieve well.
Strengths
- Pupils feel safe, are “well-mannered,” and demonstrate positive behaviour in lessons and at playtimes.
- The curriculum is carefully structured in most subjects, ensuring pupils are “well prepared for the next stage of their education.”
- Reading is prioritised, with pupils enjoying a “wide range of books” and gaining “secure knowledge of phonics.”
- Staff receive effective support for their well-being, and governors provide appropriate “support and challenge.”
- The school offers rich opportunities for personal development, including visits to museums and places of worship.
Areas to improve
- Finalise curriculum planning in a small number of subjects to ensure teachers are clear on essential knowledge and teaching sequences.
- Ensure teachers consistently use assessment information to address misconceptions and gaps in pupils’ learning.
- Provide better support for a small number of pupils to catch up in phonics and develop reading fluency.
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 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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