St Gabriel's Church of England Primary School
Blackburn, BB1 8QN · Blackburn with Darwen · primary school
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10th of 51 primary schools in Blackburn with Darwen we can score, 56 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 — 6.7/10 against 4,194 of them, against 7.1/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 40% | 2.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 16.0 · 85 | 25% | 2.13 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Gabriel's Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, with the most recent inspection in June 2024. In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 16.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. 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 (6.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the choir, orchestra, and ukulele groups, or learn violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone, or brass. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 212 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
With 16.0% reaching the higher standard, what specific support is available for pupils aiming to extend their learning further? How do the music groups balance practice time with other curriculum commitments?
What Ofsted said about St Gabriel's Church of England Primary School
Overview
St Gabriel’s Church of England Primary School is described as a “happy and harmonious” environment where pupils are “proud to attend” and enjoy their learning. The report highlights an “effective curriculum” and “high levels of expertise” among staff, resulting in pupils who “achieve well” and develop into “confident, fluent and accurate readers.”
Strengths
- The school has designed an “effective curriculum” with clearly identified knowledge and vocabulary, supported by teachers with “high levels of expertise.”
- Early years provision is particularly strong, with children achieving “exceptionally well” through group work, discussion, and play.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “thrive in the calm and welcoming atmosphere” and receive targeted support to progress.
- Staff create a “positive environment” that encourages “self-belief and resilience,” while pupils treat one another with “kindness and respect.”
- Governors are “knowledgeable about the school” and provide suitable support to the “close-knit staff team.”
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, the school must ensure pupils are “well supported to recall and develop their knowledge” to build a secure body of understanding over time.
- The school should work with parents and carers to identify and address issues causing unnecessary absences, as some pupils “miss out on important learning.”
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 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 81% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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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