Helmshore Primary School
Rossendale, BB4 4JW · Lancashire · primary school
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34th 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 — 8.6/10 against 2,793 of them, against 9.0/10 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 | 88.0 · 96 | 40% | 3.85 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Helmshore Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 88.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 14.0% of pupils, 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 (8.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Eco Warriors, Spanish, French, Recorder, Junior Choir, and Annie Jr clubs. Sports options include rounders, multi-sports, girls football, tennis, netball, cricket, basketball, and tri-golf. Arts and music activities cover production and dialogue rehearsals, as well as infant and junior choirs. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 397 pupils against a stated capacity of 414. 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 reach the higher standard in maths? What specific support is offered during the transition from infant to junior school?
What Ofsted said about Helmshore Primary School
Overview
Helmshore Primary School is judged as ‘Good’ overall, with ‘Outstanding’ ratings for behaviour, personal development, and early years provision. Pupils are described as happy, proud members of the community who feel safe and are “ready to learn.” The school maintains high expectations for academic success, resulting in most pupils achieving well across the curriculum.
Strengths
- Behaviour is “exemplary,” with pupils demonstrating “excellent manners” and a “sharp focus on learning.”
- The curriculum is “highly ambitious” and effectively links national requirements with local learning, including equalities and diversity.
- Early years provision is “exceptional,” ensuring children get off to a “flying start” with “no missed opportunities for children to learn.”
- The early reading programme is effective, helping most pupils become “fluent readers” by the end of Year 2.
- Governors are “dedicated to their roles” and actively challenge and support the school, while staff feel “appreciated.”
Areas to improve
- Staff adaptations to curriculum delivery do not always meet the needs of some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “sufficiently well,” meaning these pupils “do not learn the curriculum as well as they could.”
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 | 78% |
| 2023/24 | 86% |
| 2024/25 | 88% |
| 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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