Northern Primary School
Bacup, OL13 8PH · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
341st 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 3,893 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.8/10 among them, against 1.6/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| 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.
Northern Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% 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 March 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.8 out of 10 among them, against 1.6 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join football, a breakfast club, and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 161 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
How does the school support pupils to move from the expected to the higher standard in maths? What specific strategies are used to improve reading outcomes for the cohort?
What Ofsted said about Northern Primary School
Overview
Northern Primary School continues to be a good school, described as a "small and friendly" environment where pupils are "celebrated for their individuality." The report highlights a "pleasant atmosphere" where staff know pupils well, and children arrive "happy and ready to learn."
Strengths
- The curriculum is "carefully designed" to meet pupil needs, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), enabling them to "build on their previous learning."
- Teachers typically present new concepts "with clarity" and select "appropriate activities," with many having received training to ensure "secure knowledge of the content."
- Early reading is prioritised, with well-trained staff delivering phonics and providing support so pupils become "confident and successful readers."
- The school promotes a "love of reading" through diverse texts and initiatives like class story votes and ‘reading buddies’.
- Pupils demonstrate "positive behaviours," follow "clear routines," and benefit from opportunities for personal development, such as residential trips and learning about wider communities.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, chosen activities do not support learning as well as they could, leading to "gaps in their knowledge"; the school should ensure teachers receive support to develop subject-specific knowledge.
- Assessment approaches are "underdeveloped" in a small number of subjects, meaning gaps in understanding are not always identified quickly; the school should develop strategies to ensure gaps are "identified and tackled quickly."
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 | 48% |
| 2023/24 | 66% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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