St Catherine's CofE Primary School
Bolton, BL6 5SJ · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
64th 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 3,623 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.3/10 among them, against 3.8/10 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 | 62.0 · 44 | 41% | 1.77 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.76 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 26% | 0.75 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Catherine's CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.3 out of 10 among them, against 3.8 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 237 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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 national median in literacy and numeracy? How has the teaching approach changed since the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St Catherine's CofE Primary School
Overview
St Catherine's CofE Primary School continues to be a good school, providing a "caring school community" where pupils feel "happy and safe." The inspection confirms that leaders have designed a well-organised curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), resulting in high levels of pupil engagement and achievement.
Strengths
- Pupils are "enthusiastic learners" who display "very good manners" and benefit from staff with "high ambitions" for their progress.
- The curriculum is "well-organised" and carefully designed to help pupils "know and remember more over time," with subject leaders providing strong support for teachers.
- There is a "clear love of reading," supported by a systematic phonics curriculum and a wide range of quality texts that improve pupils' fluency and vocabulary.
- Staff work effectively as a team, and leaders ensure that "equal opportunities are promoted well," fostering respect for different cultures and individuals.
- Governors have a "firm understanding" of the quality of education, and staff feel "valued and well supported" regarding their workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure pupils "know how to make connections between their prior learning" across different subjects to deepen their understanding of the curriculum.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving appropriate training and working with external partners to support vulnerable pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 66% |
| 2023/24 | 48% |
| 2024/25 | 62% |
| 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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