Holy Souls Roman Catholic Primary School Blackburn
Blackburn, BB1 8QN · Blackburn with Darwen · primary school
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25th of 51 primary schools in Blackburn with Darwen we can score, 56 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 — 4.0/10 against 3,685 of them, against 4.4/10 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.56 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Holy Souls Roman Catholic Primary School Blackburn overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in football, netball, rounders, tag rugby, dodgeball, athletics, gymnastics, tennis and dance. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 189 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 expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Holy Souls Roman Catholic Primary School Blackburn
Overview
Holy Souls Roman Catholic Primary School is described as a place where "all pupils are welcome," fostering positive relationships that make children feel "safe and happy." Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and academic success, resulting in a "broad and balanced curriculum" that supports resilience and strong personal development.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from "positive relationships" with staff and peers, which helps them feel secure and builds confidence.
- The curriculum is "ambitious for all pupils," including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with carefully organised knowledge and vocabulary.
- Staff deliver phonics effectively, ensuring most pupils become "confident readers by the end of key stage 1."
- Leaders have "effective systems" to identify SEND needs early and secure appropriate specialist support.
- Governors "support and challenge leaders effectively," while also being considerate of staff workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- In one or two subjects, some teachers do not deliver essential knowledge and vocabulary, leading to "gaps in their knowledge" for some pupils.
- Some pupils do not attend school regularly enough, which "limits how well these pupils learn."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well-trained to spot risks and clear procedures in place to report concerns and ensure pupils receive timely support.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 47% |
| 2023/24 | 59% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| 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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