St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School
Skelmersdale, WN8 9AZ · Lancashire · primary school
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446th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.0/10 against 1,366 of them, against 0.4/10 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 | 7.0 · 0 | 62% | 0.01 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
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 of Assisi Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 7.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access football, netball, dance, gymnastics, cricket, curling, athletics, and handball, alongside trips to PGL Boreatton Park, Tower Wood, and Borwick Hall. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 145 pupils against a stated capacity of 330. 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 bridge the gap between the current 7.0% expected standard and the national median of 64%? What specific strategies are used to help students achieve the higher standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School
Overview
St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School is described as a “warm, caring and welcoming” environment where pupils are “happy and feel safe and supported.” The inspection awarded ‘Good’ across all key judgement areas, highlighting a “well-structured curriculum” and positive behaviour, though noting specific inconsistencies in curriculum planning within certain subjects.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “positive attitudes to their learning” and behave well, creating a “calm and purposeful atmosphere.”
- Reading is central to the curriculum, with a “book-rich retreat” called the ‘Reading Garden’ helping pupils become “confident and fluent readers.”
- The school provides a “highly inclusive setting” where pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “achieve well alongside their peers.”
- Staff workload is managed effectively, fostering a “positive and supportive culture” among employees.
- Governors provide “effective challenge and support” and have a “clear and accurate understanding” of the quality of education.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, the school has not clearly identified “important blocks of knowledge, vocabulary and skills” or the sequence in which they should be taught, hindering secure learning.
- There are “gaps in teachers’ subject-specific knowledge” in some subjects, meaning the curriculum is not always delivered as effectively as it could be.
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 | 43% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 7% |
| 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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