SchoolsGPT

Horwich Parish CofE Primary School

Bolton, BL6 6AA · Bolton · primary school

Check the area around this school

Ofsted report card · 2026 Lowest area: Expected standard Mixed Primary Church of England
5.0/10 Broadly average

48th 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 — 7.8/10 against 3,495 of them, against 7.2/10 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 73.0 · 73 40% 2.93
Ofsted 10 35% 0.34
Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 11.0 · 71 25% 1.77

Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.

Horwich Parish CofE Primary School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 73.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 11.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.

Beyond the classroom

Pupils can join The Lighthouse Club, and an after-school club is available.

Getting in

The published school roll is 300 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 new Ofsted framework affect daily teaching priorities? What specific activities take place within The Lighthouse Club? How does the school support pupils in reaching the higher standard in core subjects?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about Horwich Parish CofE Primary School

Inspection report dated 31 March 2026

Overview

Horwich Parish CofE Primary School fulfils the "Expected standard" across all inspection categories, with safeguarding standards met. The report describes a school where leaders prioritise achievement in core subjects, creating a "caring, nurturing environment" where pupils feel happy and safe. While most pupils make good progress and are well-prepared for the next stage of their education, there are specific areas regarding attendance and support for vulnerable groups that require further attention.

Strengths

  • Pupils attain in line with national averages, with disadvantaged pupils achieving well in reading, writing, and mathematics.
  • Staff model "kindness and respect," resulting in excellent behaviour where bullying is not accepted and pupils are "keen to learn."
  • The curriculum is "suitably ambitious" and carefully sequenced, particularly in English and mathematics, helping pupils build secure knowledge.
  • Early years provision is high-quality, with a strong focus on spoken language and play that builds "confidence, resilience and curiosity."
  • Leaders engage well with parents and ensure staff feel "valued and supported," contributing to positive relationships throughout the school.

Areas to improve

  • Leaders must continue actions to improve attendance for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring gaps in learning are addressed after absences.
  • Staff require better guidance to make effective adaptations for pupils with SEND in subjects beyond English and mathematics.
  • Leaders should use detailed performance analysis more precisely to ensure disadvantaged pupils benefit fully from the school’s provision.

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.

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Expected standard
73%
2024/25
Higher standard
11%
2024/25
Demand
×0.72
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
20%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.

61% 2022/23
58% 2023/24
73% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for Horwich Parish CofE Primary School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2361%
2023/2458%
2024/2573%
England64%

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
Email me before each one →

Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website

Loading full school details…

Similar schools nearby

Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.

Every school within 2.5 miles of BL6 6AA, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →

Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?

Ask SchoolsGPT