Larkfield Primary School
Southport, PR9 8PA · Sefton · primary school
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22nd of 69 primary schools in Sefton we can score, 74 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 — 5.1/10 against 3,450 of them, against 5.0/10 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 40% | 1.18 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.09 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Larkfield Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. A higher 15.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the School Council and participate in athletics, basketball, boccia, dance, football, futsal, gymnastics, and handball. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 256 pupils against a stated capacity of 255. 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
With the roll exceeding capacity by 1, how does the school manage class sizes for new entrants? Since the 2023 inspection predates the latest results, what specific steps have been taken to improve reading and writing outcomes? How do the sports clubs integrate with the daily curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Larkfield Primary School
Overview
Larkfield Primary School is rated as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories. Pupils are described as ‘enthusiastic’ and ‘happy’, benefiting from an atmosphere of ‘mutual respect’ and strong relationships with staff. The school fosters a positive environment where learners feel included and safe.
Strengths
- Leaders have placed ‘reading at the heart of the curriculum’, ensuring early years and Key Stage 1 pupils gain ‘secure knowledge of phonics’.
- Staff effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), adapting teaching so they ‘access the same curriculum as other pupils’.
- Pupils demonstrate ‘positive attitudes to learning’ and ‘strong learning habits’, with ‘no disruption to learning’ observed.
- Personal development is enriched through ‘many projects, clubs and visits’, including charity fundraisers and activities promoting awareness of different faiths.
- Governors ‘know the school well’ and work alongside leaders to set a ‘clear strategic vision’ for improvement.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure Year 2 and Year 3 pupils with gaps in reading knowledge receive support to ‘catch up quickly’.
- In some subjects, tasks do not ‘match the intended curriculum well enough’, causing pupils to miss essential information; leaders should ensure teachers design learning that helps pupils retain content.
- Leaders need to ‘quickly and decisively tackle the rates of persistent absenteeism’ so pupils attend regularly and do not miss out on learning.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, with staff receiving comprehensive training and appropriate systems in place to identify pupils at risk.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 2024/25 | 56% |
| 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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