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Penwortham Primary School

Preston, PR1 0HU · Lancashire · primary school

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Ofsted report card · 2026 Lowest area: Needs attention Mixed Primary
2.4/10 Below average

362nd 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 4,112 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.8/10 among them, against 3.3/10 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 57.0 · 32 40% 1.29
Ofsted 6 35% 0.21
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.

Penwortham Primary School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 57.0% 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%. An inspection in May 2026 used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.8 out of 10 among them, against 3.3 out of 10 nationally.

Beyond the classroom

Pupils can join Sports Leaders and Play Leaders clubs, participate in swimming and Parkrun, and access both a breakfast club and an after-school club.

Getting in

The published school roll is 201 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 who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific steps are taken to raise attainment in 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 Penwortham Primary School

Inspection report dated 6 May 2026

Overview

The report describes a school where pupils feel safe and happy, with strong attendance and positive behaviour. While the early years provision and personal development are effective, the report identifies that disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities do not achieve as well as they could. Leaders are aware of these issues but have not yet ensured consistent support or rigorous monitoring of impact.

Strengths

  • Pupils feel safe, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility."
  • Attendance has improved significantly, with most pupils attending "regularly and on time."
  • The early years curriculum is well-developed, helping children achieve well and transition smoothly to Year 1.
  • Personal development is effective, ensuring pupils understand safety, consent, and British values.
  • Reading standards are secure, supported by an effective phonics programme and well-trained staff.

Areas to improve

  • Leaders must ensure teachers identify and address gaps in knowledge, particularly in mathematics and writing, so pupils are fully prepared for their next stages.
  • Support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities needs to be identified accurately and delivered consistently to raise achievement.
  • Leaders should make checks on curriculum effectiveness and support more rigorous to ensure all pupils achieve the highest standards they are capable of.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified, acted upon, and managed.

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
57%
2024/25
Higher standard
4%
2024/25
Demand
×0.9
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
10%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

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

69% 2022/23
70% 2023/24
57% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for Penwortham Primary School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2369%
2023/2470%
2024/2557%
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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