Highfield Primary School
Bolton, BL4 0AP · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
65th of 88 primary schools in Bolton we can score, 97 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 — 6.7/10 against 2,762 of them, against 5.9/10 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 | 66.0 · 54 | 40% | 2.16 |
| Ofsted | 12 | 35% | 0.40 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Highfield Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in May 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 412 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 working towards the expected standard in core subjects? What specific areas did the May 2026 Ofsted inspection highlight for development? How are the 8 remaining places allocated for the upcoming entry year?
What Ofsted said about Highfield Primary School
Overview
Highfield Primary School is described as a "vibrant school" where "every pupil is valued" and "pupils know that they belong." Leaders have established a culture where pupils "flourish through this high-quality support," achieving well across the curriculum with particularly strong outcomes in mathematics.
Strengths
- The personal development programme is a "golden thread" that runs through all aspects of school life, helping pupils discuss complex themes with "maturity."
- Pupils benefit from a "rich range of experiences beyond the classroom," such as visits to historic sites and diverse clubs, which "deepen their learning."
- Staff are "experts in teaching mathematics," helping pupils to "make sound progress" and attain above the national average.
- Leaders provide "effective support" for attendance, resulting in rapid gains for pupils who were previously persistently absent.
- Governors "undertake their duties effectively," using their expertise to "support and challenge leaders" and ensuring resources are used wisely.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should refine the teaching of writing so that all staff develop expertise in supporting pupils’ "transcription skills."
- Leaders should improve the precision of targets for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities so they are "fully supported to succeed."
- Leaders should ensure that chosen activities consistently help pupils to "deepen their learning."
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 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 76% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| 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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