Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Primary School
Bolton, BL5 3DU · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
8th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 7.8/10 against 3,930 of them, against 8.2/10 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 | 74.0 · 76 | 40% | 3.02 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 21.0 · 93 | 25% | 2.32 |
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 Roman Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 74.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 21.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in May 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access an after-school club, Forest school, and a wide range of activities including Room2Grow Lunchtimes, Goblin car club, Reading club, Yarn bombing, Craft Club, Art Club, Drama Club, Choir, and Band. Sports options include orienteering, dodgeball, football, multi-sports, and gymnastics.
Getting in
The published school roll is 417 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
How does the Forest school curriculum integrate with the core subjects? What support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Primary School
Overview
Pupils experience learning in a "wonderful way" within a "calm atmosphere" that enables them to focus completely. The school maintains "exceptionally high expectations," which pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils, consistently "live up to or exceed." The report highlights a "broad and balanced curriculum" that flows seamlessly from early years to Year 6, supported by specialist staff and effective assessment strategies.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "carefully mapped out," ensuring pupils develop a "deep body of knowledge that interconnects between subjects."
- Staff are "adept at swiftly identifying pupils’ misconceptions" and use assessment strategies to shape future learning effectively.
- Reading is prioritised from Reception, with "carefully matched" books and effective support ensuring most pupils become "confident and fluent readers by the end of Year 2."
- Pupils benefit from a "vast array of enrichment activities," including trips and practical projects like kit cars and theatre costumes.
- Staff workload and well-being are considered, with staff receiving "bespoke, high-quality training" that enables them to deliver the curriculum with "confidence and pride."
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
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 | 76% |
| 2023/24 | 79% |
| 2024/25 | 74% |
| 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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