Rawtenstall Balladen Community Primary School
Rossendale, BB4 6DX · Lancashire · primary school
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430th 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 — 0.3/10 against 1,515 of them, against 0.6/10 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 | 32.0 · 4 | 62% | 0.22 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Rawtenstall Balladen Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 32.0% 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%. 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 (0.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 109 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 core subjects? What specific activities are available within the breakfast and after-school clubs? How does the school monitor progress for pupils who have not yet reached the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Rawtenstall Balladen Community Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school with "high aspirations" where pupils generally enjoy their time and benefit from a focus on wider development. However, achievement remains "stubbornly low" in core subjects due to unaddressed knowledge gaps, and behaviour during lessons is "more variable" than at social times.
Strengths
- Pupils’ "personal development" is rated Good, with children appreciating sporting opportunities and learning about safety.
- The phonics programme is "delivered well," helping early years and Year 1 pupils develop "secure phonics knowledge."
- Caring staff are developing expertise in supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- The governing body provides "effective challenge and support," ensuring initiatives are manageable for staff.
- Attendance rates have improved for most pupils, and incidents of poor behaviour have become less frequent.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must better identify and address "gaps in pupils’ knowledge" to ensure fluency in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Staff need support to manage pupils’ behaviour "consistently well," particularly helping children control their emotions during lessons.
- Curriculum leaders must define expectations for Reception children to ensure they are adequately prepared for Key Stage 1.
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 | 23% |
| 2023/24 | 12% |
| 2024/25 | 32% |
| 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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