Nelson St Paul's Church of England Primary School
Nelson, BB9 0PY · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
222nd 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 — 5.1/10 against 1,884 of them, against 4.3/10 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 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| 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.
Nelson St Paul's Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 8.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in football, athletics, footgolf, and bowls, with a Year 6 residential trip. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 408 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the Year 6 residential trip? How are the breakfast and after-school clubs structured to support daily routines?
What Ofsted said about Nelson St Paul's Church of England Primary School
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that Nelson St Paul's Church of England Primary School has "taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection." The school is described as a "calm and harmonious place" where pupils "apply themselves diligently" and "typically achieve well." Leaders have refined the curriculum to provide clarity for teachers, resulting in secure knowledge progression for most pupils.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate high standards of behaviour, following rules willingly and upholding the school’s values with respect.
- Teachers introduce new information effectively, regularly checking for understanding and addressing gaps in knowledge skilfully.
- There is a strong focus on reading, with staff supporting fluency and accuracy through a skilful phonics programme.
- Older pupils act as strong role models, welcoming new arrivals and supporting children in the early years.
- Governors work closely with the school, sharing a clear vision and ensuring staff have access to necessary support.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure greater consistency in how teachers support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), as current support is variable and some pupils do not achieve as well as they could.
- Strategies to improve attendance are not yet securely embedded; the school should work closely with parents to overcome barriers to absence, as prolonged absences hinder achievement for a significant group of pupils.
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 | 59% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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