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Medlar-with-Wesham Church of England Primary School

Preston, PR4 3DE · Lancashire · primary school

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Ofsted report card · 2026 Lowest area: Needs attention Mixed Primary Church of England
3.4/10 Below average

310th 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 — 5.8/10 against 2,393 of 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 67.0 · 57 40% 2.28
Ofsted 7 35% 0.25
Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 4.0 · 35 25% 0.88

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

Medlar-with-Wesham Church of England Primary School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in February 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.

Beyond the classroom

Pupils can join the Ju-jitsu club, Little Voices Drama Group, and AFC Fylde Coaster Club, with an after-school club also available.

Getting in

The published school roll is 124 pupils against a stated capacity of 200. 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 routines? What specific support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard?

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 Medlar-with-Wesham Church of England Primary School

Inspection report dated 3 February 2026

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils feel safe, behave well, and enjoy a broad curriculum that prepares them effectively for life in modern Britain. While personal development and early years provision are strong, the inspection identifies that teaching is not consistently effective, leading to gaps in knowledge for some pupils, particularly in writing and spelling.

Strengths

  • Leaders have established a "very well-considered personal development programme" that helps pupils understand diversity, British values, and mental health.
  • Pupils benefit from an "extensive range of meaningful opportunities" including clubs and residential visits that build independence and resilience.
  • Attendance is improving and is now "above the national average," supported by diligent staff checks and effective family engagement.
  • The early years curriculum prioritises reading, with most Reception children developing "secure phonics knowledge" by the end of the year.
  • Staff create a "calm and orderly environment" with warm relationships, resulting in rare bullying and reduced suspensions.

Areas to improve

  • Leaders should sharpen assessment systems so staff can make precise changes to help pupils "build secure knowledge over time."
  • Teachers must address gaps in pupils' handwriting and spelling "promptly and effectively" to prevent persistent errors.
  • Teaching needs to be more consistent, ensuring activities are well-matched to what pupils already know to build systematically on prior learning.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed to ensure pupils feel safe.

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
67%
2024/25
Higher standard
4%
2024/25
Demand
×0.94
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
30%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

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

60% 2022/23
37% 2023/24
67% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for Medlar-with-Wesham Church of England Primary School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2360%
2023/2437%
2024/2567%
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
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