St James CofE Primary School, Farnworth
Bolton, BL4 9QB · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
37th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.0/10 against 1,571 of them, against 5.7/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 62% | 3.50 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 38% | 2.19 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St James CofE Primary School, Farnworth 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%. 8.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join tennis, dance, and swimming clubs, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 357 pupils against a stated capacity of 362. 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 specific activities are included in the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about St James CofE Primary School, Farnworth
Overview
Pupils enjoy attending this welcoming school, where they strive to live up to the value of respect and behave well. The report highlights that children in the early years settle quickly and receive an exceptional start, while staff effectively support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Although some pupils face challenges due to late arrivals or language barriers, the school maintains high ambitions for all learners.
Strengths
- Early years provision is outstanding, with staff using high precision to give children "the best possible start to their education."
- Phonics teaching is delivered consistently by well-trained staff, helping many pupils become "fluent readers by the end of Year 2."
- Effective systems accurately identify and meet the additional needs of pupils, ensuring those with SEND access the same curriculum as classmates.
- Trustees and governors are effective in monitoring operations, with a strong focus on the quality of education.
- Strategies to reduce persistent absence are working, and behaviour is generally positive with learning rarely interrupted.
Areas to improve
- In one or two subjects, some learning activities do not effectively build on prior knowledge; teachers need support to design activities that help pupils "connect learning and build up a deep body of knowledge."
- In a small number of subjects, gaps in knowledge from previous curriculum weaknesses remain unaddressed; teachers must be equipped to "swiftly remedy these gaps" so pupils can make sense of new learning.
Safeguarding
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 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 45% |
| 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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