Padiham Primary School
Burnley, BB12 8SJ · Lancashire · primary school
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320th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 2.2/10 against 1,537 of them, against 2.0/10 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 | 47.0 · 15 | 40% | 0.60 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Padiham Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 47.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. 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 (2.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join a ukulele group and school choir, play rugby, cricket, dance, swimming and orienteering, and attend a samba music assembly. Trips include Outdoor Elements, the Towneley Orienteering Competition and Gawthorpe Hall. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 286 pupils against a stated capacity of 325. 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 steps are taken to raise attainment towards the higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Padiham Primary School
Overview
Padiham Primary School continues to be a good school, described as "exceptionally welcoming" where pupils are "proud and happy." Leaders set high expectations, resulting in well-behaved students who respect differences and enjoy a broad curriculum enriched by community activities and trips.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a "broad and balanced" curriculum where leaders have "identified precisely what pupils need to learn," particularly in core subjects.
- Reading is central to provision; staff have the expertise to teach early reading successfully, and most pupils develop as "confident, fluent readers."
- Staff provide "extra help and support" quickly, ensuring pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) can follow the same curriculum as their peers.
- Warm relationships exist between staff and pupils, with adults encouraging children to share worries, helping them feel "safe and cared for."
- Staff feel well supported by leaders who are "mindful of staff well-being and workload," creating a positive working environment.
Areas to improve
- Subject leaders must further develop their understanding of learning steps in the Reception Year for subjects other than English and mathematics to ensure "firm foundations for later learning."
- Governors should undertake checks on the effectiveness of the curriculum in subjects other than English and mathematics to assure themselves of the "quality of education."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong safeguarding culture" and thorough staff training ensuring they can spot signs that pupils may be at risk.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 47% |
| 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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