Higham St John's Church of England Primary School
Burnley, BB12 9EU · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
387th 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 3,623 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.5/10 among them, against 3.2/10 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 40% | 0.96 |
| Ofsted | 1 | 35% | 0.02 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Higham St John's Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 6.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. An Ofsted inspection in January 2026 used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.5 out of 10 among them, against 3.2 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 120 pupils against a stated capacity of 140. 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 steps are taken to help children reach the higher standard in reading and maths? How does the new inspection framework affect the school’s current improvement plans?
What Ofsted said about Higham St John's Church of England 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." While pupils feel safe and personal development is strong, significant shortcomings in the curriculum, teaching quality, and early years provision mean pupils are not receiving a high-quality education.
Strengths
- Leaders have implemented a "well‑considered personal development programme" that enables pupils to become "well‑rounded citizens."
- Pupils feel "well cared for and safe," with staff effectively addressing bullying and promoting tolerance and respect.
- The pupil premium strategy is "well considered," helping disadvantaged pupils achieve well in end-of-key-stage tests.
- Attendance systems are suitable, with particularly positive attendance rates for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the curriculum is "ambitious, well sequenced and meets the needs of all pupils," particularly in mixed-age classes and for those with special educational needs.
- Staff require better knowledge and expertise to deliver the curriculum effectively, specifically addressing gaps in early reading, writing, and basic skills.
- Governors must gain the skills to "hold leaders to account effectively" and support leaders with workload to prioritise improvement.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 59% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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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