Meadowhead Junior School
Blackburn, BB2 4QG · Blackburn with Darwen · primary school
Check the area around this school
42nd 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 — 1.2/10 against 570 of them, against 0.9/10 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 | 40.0 · 8 | 40% | 0.32 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Meadowhead Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 40.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2025. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (1.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
A breakfast club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 201 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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 have not yet reached the expected standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to help children progress towards the higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the current attainment gap?
What Ofsted said about Meadowhead Junior School
Overview
This ungraded inspection found that aspects of the school’s work “may not be as strong as at the time of the previous inspection,” triggering a future graded inspection. Despite this, the school is described as “nurturing” with a “calm and purposeful environment” where pupils feel happy and safe. Staff and governors are actively supporting improvements in curriculum and behaviour following recent changes.
Strengths
- The school fosters a strong sense of belonging, with parents valuing opportunities to participate in events.
- Reading is “central to the curriculum,” with effective support for pupils who have gaps in phonics knowledge.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “learn well” due to quick identification of needs and curriculum adaptations.
- A new behaviour policy has led to a “notable improvement in pupils’ behaviour” and better emotional management.
- Staff report feeling supported with workload and well-being during a period of significant change.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure teachers use assessment strategies accurately to identify and address “gaps in pupils’ learning” caused by weaknesses in the previous curriculum.
- The school should further refine its attendance strategy to remove barriers leading to absence, as the number of pupils who are “regularly absent from school remains high.”
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 54% |
| 2023/24 | 45% |
| 2024/25 | 40% |
| 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
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 BB2 4QG, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT