Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Thornton Cleveleys
Thornton-Cleveleys, FY5 4HL · Lancashire · primary school
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287th 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 — 4.8/10 against 3,769 of them, against 4.9/10 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.56 |
| Ofsted | 14 | 35% | 0.48 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Thornton Cleveleys overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. A higher 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.9 out of 10 against all schools). The February 2026 inspection used the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join the Choir and Drama - Wonka Rehearsals, play Athletics, Football, Tag Rugby, Rounders, and Netball, and visit Borwick Hall, Bolton Museum, Sealife Centre, and Liverpool. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 186 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 activities are included in the after-school club? How does the new inspection framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Thornton Cleveleys
Overview
The report describes a school where leaders have established a "highly effective" early years provision and fostered a culture where pupils feel safe and valued. While attendance and behaviour are rated at a "strong standard," most other aspects of the school’s performance meet the "expected standard," with pupils achieving well in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Strengths
- Attendance is high due to leaders who "track attendance closely" and work effectively with families to support regular school participation.
- Pupils behave well, showing "pride and purpose," with bullying reported as rare and breaktimes described as "calm and friendly."
- The early years curriculum is "well-thought-out," with staff skilfully adapting teaching to ensure all children, including those with special educational needs, get an "excellent start."
- Staff create a supportive environment that nurtures pupils’ "confidence, resilience and independence," including through leadership roles and community activities.
- Teachers have "secure subject knowledge" and use clear strategies to help pupils build knowledge step-by-step, ensuring those who struggle receive timely support.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should strengthen the teaching of handwriting to improve pupils’ "legibility, accuracy and fluency," as current expectations are inconsistent.
- Leaders should continue work to raise attainment in reading and mathematics so these are "as high as those in writing."
- Systems to support pupils with barriers other than special educational needs, such as those known to social care, are "recent" and not yet "refined enough" to give full assurance.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are actively identified and managed, ensuring pupils "feel safe."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| 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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