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Rishton Methodist Primary School

Blackburn, BB1 4JF · Lancashire · primary school

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Ofsted: Good · 2025 Inspected 1 year ago Mixed Primary Methodist
6.1/10 Broadly average

120th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.0/10 against 1,464 of them, against 6.6/10 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 79.0 · 86 40% 3.43
Ofsted 52 35% 1.82
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.

Rishton Methodist Primary School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 79.0% 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%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.6 out of 10 against all schools).

Beyond the classroom

Pupils participate in dodgeball, archery, and arts and crafts. Trips include visits to Rishton Train Station, the local library, Cutwood Park, and Hyndburn Academy. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.

Getting in

The published school roll is 143 pupils against a stated capacity of 226. 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 activities are included in the after-school club?

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 Rishton Methodist Primary School

Inspection report dated 29 April 2025

Overview

Rishton Methodist Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school is described as a "warm and welcoming" environment where pupils are "safe and happy" and achieve well academically. Leaders have high ambitions for pupils, who respond positively to the school’s expectations and supportive culture.

Strengths

  • The curriculum is "well-organised," with staff checking prior knowledge and promptly addressing errors to help pupils "secure important knowledge."
  • Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive "effective academic support," such as picture cues and broken-down tasks, enabling them to achieve well.
  • The phonics programme is delivered well, with books matching learned sounds, helping pupils become "confident, fluent readers."
  • Behaviour is managed with a "clear and consistent approach," resulting in pupils who are "well-mannered" and focused on learning.
  • Staff workload is managed considerately, fostering a team where colleagues feel the school is a "rewarding workplace."

Areas to improve

  • Some learning tasks are "not well matched to the curriculum," requiring knowledge pupils have not yet learned, which hinders their ability to build a secure body of knowledge.
  • The school should ensure teachers have the expertise to consistently choose activities that support pupils in reaching the school’s ambitious goals.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."

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
79%
2024/25
Higher standard
4%
2024/25
Demand
×1.0
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
45%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

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

71% 2022/23
57% 2023/24
79% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for Rishton Methodist Primary School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2371%
2023/2457%
2024/2579%
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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