Longsands Community Primary School
Preston, PR2 9PS · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
312nd 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 the 4,088 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.4/10 among them, against 4.9/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| Ofsted | 6 | 35% | 0.21 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Longsands Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 6.0%, against a national median of 7%. An Ofsted inspection in December 2025 used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.4 out of 10 among them, against 4.9 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 213 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
Since the December 2025 inspection did not provide an overall grade, which specific areas of the report card show the most recent improvements? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about Longsands Community Primary School
Overview
Longsands Community Primary School is described as a “warm, nurturing” environment where pupils are happy and behave well. While attendance, behaviour, inclusion, and personal development meet the expected standard, the report identifies that pupils do not yet secure foundational knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics swiftly enough, resulting in gaps in learning.
Strengths
- Leaders have created an “inclusive culture” with “personalised, effective support” for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- The school maintains a “respectful, supportive and positive learning environment” where bullying is not tolerated and attendance is improving.
- Pupils benefit from a “rich personal development programme” that promotes resilience, healthy relationships, and active citizenship.
- Staff provide “nurturing support” and pupils describe the school as a place where “no one feels invisible and where everyone matters”.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure assessment is used effectively to address gaps in foundational knowledge, particularly in spelling and handwriting.
- Staff require further support to deliver the phonics programme “consistently and effectively”, including in the early years.
- Teaching across subjects must consistently enable pupils to “build on their prior learning and deepen their understanding”.
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 | 72% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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