St Francis Catholic Primary School, Goosnargh
Preston, PR3 2FJ · Lancashire · primary school
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48th of 448 primary schools in Lancashire we can score, 481 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 3,204 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.9/10 among them, against 6.5/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 92 | 35% | 3.22 |
| 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 Francis Catholic Primary School, Goosnargh overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A further 13.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. An inspection in January 2026 used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.9 out of 10 among them, against 6.5 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Lego coding, Gardening, Animal welfare, Art and crafts, and Superhero Sports clubs. The school also provides a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 104 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 to progress from the expected to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for children who need extra help with reading or maths? How does the school manage the transition for new starters given the current capacity?
What Ofsted said about St Francis Catholic Primary School, Goosnargh
Overview
St Francis Catholic Primary School is described as a "small, welcoming school" where leaders have created a "positive environment" and a "calm and harmonious atmosphere." The report consistently rates achievement, attendance, behaviour, curriculum, early years, inclusion, leadership, and personal development at a "Strong standard," noting that pupils feel "cared for and safe" and have a "deep sense of belonging."
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well, with disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities achieving "as well in all subjects" as their peers.
- Attendance is high because leaders "check on pupils’ attendance carefully" and help address barriers, including emotional needs.
- Behaviour is "overwhelmingly positive," with bullying being "extremely rare" and pupils demonstrating "excellent attitudes towards their learning."
- The curriculum is "ambitious in its scope" and structured progressively, helping pupils develop a "deep knowledge of all subjects" and apply it in various contexts.
- Leaders have created a "positive culture of inclusion" where difference is celebrated, and staff provide effective support to remove barriers to learning.
Areas to improve
- Leaders and governors should "sustain the effectiveness of their work in all areas" and seek "continued improvement" to drive a "transformational impact for all pupils," particularly for those facing barriers to learning or wellbeing.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns being "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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