Marsden Community Primary School
Nelson, BB9 0BE · Lancashire · primary school
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173rd 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.6/10 against 1,624 of them, against 5.4/10 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Marsden 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%. 8.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 415 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 maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school manage the transition for Year 6 pupils moving to secondary education?
What Ofsted said about Marsden Community Primary School
Overview
Marsden Community Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils arrive happy and eager to learn. Leaders maintain high expectations, fostering a culture where students work hard, behave well, and feel safe. The school provides an ambitious curriculum with strong support for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and present new learning clearly, helping pupils make links between new and prior knowledge.
- Reading is a high priority, with a highly structured phonics programme that helps most pupils read accurately by key stage 2.
- Effective systems identify additional needs for pupils with SEND early, ensuring they access the curriculum and achieve well.
- Pupils demonstrate respect for staff and each other, with bullying being rare and issues dealt with sensitively and effectively.
- Staff receive high-quality professional development, and governors hold leaders to account effectively.
Areas to improve
- Some pupils do not attend school as regularly as they should, which hinders their progress through the curriculum. Leaders should continue to improve attendance for these pupils.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff undertaking regular training to identify risks and responding quickly to concerns about pupil welfare.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 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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