Sharples Primary School
Bolton, BL1 8RU · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
47th 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 — 5.1/10 against 3,450 of them, against 5.0/10 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 | 66.0 · 54 | 40% | 2.16 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sharples Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, 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 (5.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join swimming, Rock Steady Music School, choir, and Forest School. They also participate in the Bolton Music Festival, Young Voices, and LAMDA. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 245 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
What specific support is provided for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How are places allocated for the next entry year?
What Ofsted said about Sharples Primary School
Overview
Sharples Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” Pupils “thrive at this happy and harmonious school” where they are “eager to embrace the challenges of secondary education.” The report confirms that the school continues to provide a high-quality education with a strong sense of community.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “ambitious and well organised,” supporting teachers to “enhance and deepen pupils’ learning.”
- Reading is “at the heart of the school’s curriculum,” with most pupils becoming “fluent and accurate readers by the end of Year 6.”
- Staff provide “effective support” for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, who “achieve well.”
- Attendance has “improved considerably” due to “well-targeted and effective support” for those with concerns.
- Pupils develop “confidence and independence” through a “rich diet of high-quality activities and opportunities.”
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure pupils receive sufficient support to “record their ideas with consistently clear and fluent written work,” as some do not yet secure early writing skills well enough.
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 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| 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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