Higher Walton Church of England Primary School
Preston, PR5 4FE · Lancashire · primary school
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299th 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 — 6.3/10 against 2,062 of them, against 5.1/10 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 | 7 | 35% | 0.24 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Higher Walton Church of England 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%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 12.0%, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.1 out of 10 against all schools). The most recent inspection took place in May 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in choir, dance, and music tuition, alongside multi-skills, football, athletics, and dodgeball. Trips include visits to County Hall, Blackburn Ice Arena, Blackpool Winter Gardens, Beacon Fell, Bowrick Hall, Cuerden Valley Learning Centre, and the University of Central Lancashire. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 81 pupils against a stated capacity of 119. 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 fall below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the new inspection framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Higher Walton Church of England Primary School
Overview
The report describes a nurturing school where pupils feel safe and behave well, with staff building caring relationships. While the curriculum is well-designed and early years provision is strong, older pupils have gaps in writing knowledge and attendance rates remain below national averages. Leaders are taking steps to address these issues, though improvements are at a relatively early stage.
Strengths
- Leaders have established a "well-designed curriculum" that is "ambitious and relevant," helping pupils talk confidently about their learning.
- Staff in early years and key stage 1 teach phonics "consistently well," enabling pupils to secure essential reading skills quickly.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported effectively to "learn with their classmates" and achieve well from their starting points.
- The school fosters a culture of respect where pupils "flourish," showing "genuine care and empathy for others."
- Governors provide effective oversight and "support and challenge to leaders," particularly regarding resource impact.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must improve the effectiveness of writing teaching in key stage 2, as some older pupils have "gaps in their writing knowledge" and do not write fluently.
- Attendance, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, remains below national averages and requires sustained improvement.
- Leaders need to sharpen their monitoring of the impact of provision on disadvantaged pupils to ensure "gaps in these pupils' knowledge are closed further."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 36% |
| 2023/24 | 38% |
| 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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