St Bernard's RC Primary School, Bolton
Bolton, BL3 4RX · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
28th 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 — 6.5/10 against 4,254 of them, against 6.7/10 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 | 72.0 · 71 | 40% | 2.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Bernard's RC Primary School, Bolton overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 72.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 9.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2023. 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 (6.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 199 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 available in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St Bernard's RC Primary School, Bolton
Overview
St Bernard's RC Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils enjoy attending and feel happy and safe. Leaders maintain high expectations for achievement and behaviour, fostering a kind, caring environment where children are polite and well-behaved. The curriculum is broadly well-thought-out, with a strong focus on reading and effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Strengths
- Pupils are "polite and well behaved" and feel confident talking to trusted adults if they have concerns.
- Leaders have created a "broad and well-thought-out curriculum" where knowledge builds logically in most subjects.
- Reading is prioritised effectively, with a "well-structured phonics programme" ensuring most pupils become confident readers by key stage 2.
- Staff successfully adapt the curriculum so pupils with SEND can access the same "high-quality curriculum as their peers".
- Governors "bring appropriate challenge and support to leaders," and staff feel valued and proud to work at the school.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, leaders have not made the essential knowledge pupils must learn "clear enough to teachers," meaning some pupils do not build their learning effectively.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being well trained, vigilant, and capable of identifying risks and reporting concerns promptly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 64% |
| 2024/25 | 72% |
| 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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