Red Lane Primary School
Bolton, BL2 5HP · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
52nd of 88 primary schools in Bolton we can score, 97 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 — 7.0/10 against 677 of them, against 4.8/10 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 62% | 2.85 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 38% | 1.95 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Red Lane Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council and visit to meet the Mayor of Bolton. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 475 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
What specific support is provided for pupils who have not reached the expected standard? How does the School Council influence school decisions?
What Ofsted said about Red Lane Primary School
Overview
Red Lane Primary School is described as a "happy school" where pupils behave well and show respect. The report highlights that the school promotes pupils’ personal development "exceptionally well" and has a "comprehensive and stimulating curriculum." Leaders have strengthened achievement, particularly in mathematics, creating a culture of continual improvement.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "meaningful through its connection to the local environment," with staff effectively checking understanding so pupils "build successfully on their previous knowledge."
- Personal development is "exceptional," offering wide experiences such as residential trips, performances, and extra-curricular activities that prepare pupils for life beyond school.
- Staff teach phonics "skilfully" and provide effective support for reading difficulties, helping most pupils to "catch up quickly."
- Leaders have a "clear and accurate understanding" of priorities, responding rapidly to improve outcomes, such as securing multiplication facts after the 2024 check.
- Staff sensitively help pupils manage feelings and behaviour, resulting in a "marked" reduction in suspensions.
Areas to improve
- The school must review its approach to tackling persistent absence, as some pupils miss too much time, limiting their achievement and access to wider experiences.
- Strategies for developing pupils’ oracy need strengthening, as some are not given sufficient opportunities to "articulate their ideas clearly" or express learning confidently.
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 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 62% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of BL2 5HP, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT