St Brendan's RC Primary School, Harwood, Bolton
Bolton, BL2 4DZ · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
49th 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,224 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.9/10 among them, against 4.7/10 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
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 55.0 · 27 | 40% | 1.10 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Brendan's RC Primary School, Harwood, Bolton overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A higher 13.0% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.9 out of 10 among them, against 4.7 out of 10 nationally.
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 does a typical day look like for a child in Year 6? How does the school engage parents in monitoring progress?
What Ofsted said about St Brendan's RC Primary School, Harwood, Bolton
Overview
The report confirms that St Brendan’s RC Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” It describes a “happy and welcoming school” where pupils are “very proud” and thrive due to “strong relationships that exist with staff.” The inspection found that the school continues to provide a high-quality education with a “varied and engaging curriculum” that inspires pupils to “do their best.”
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “very high expectations for their behaviour” and embody the school’s motto, “Love Life, Love Learning. Achieve Together in God’s Love.”
- Reading is a “high priority,” supported by a “very well-thought-out phonics programme” delivered “expertly by well-trained staff,” resulting in strong progress.
- Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make an “exceptional contribution to school life” through leadership roles and charitable fundraising.
- The school fosters positive well-being, with pupils appreciating support from “well-being ambassadors” and the therapy dog, Maple, alongside daily mindfulness sessions.
- Governors “share the school’s high ambition for pupils” and “know the school well,” while staff feel “listened to” regarding policy changes.
Areas to improve
- In “a few subjects,” key concepts have not been “sufficiently emphasised or revisited,” and checks on learning do not always ensure pupils are “successfully building on earlier content.”
- Support for pupils with SEND is “not always as effective or timely as it could be,” meaning some pupils “do not learn as well as they could.”
Safeguarding
The report states that “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 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 55% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of BL2 4DZ, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT