St John Southworth RC Primary School, A Voluntary Academy
Nelson, BB9 0DQ · Lancashire · primary school
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422nd 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 — 1.0/10 against 1,986 of them, against 1.2/10 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 | 18.0 · 1 | 40% | 0.03 |
| Ofsted | 7 | 35% | 0.24 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St John Southworth RC Primary School, A Voluntary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 18.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, 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 (1.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.2 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in April 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 209 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
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in literacy and numeracy? What specific interventions are in place for the 3.0% of pupils reaching the higher standard? How does the new inspection framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about St John Southworth RC Primary School, A Voluntary Academy
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils feel safe, happy, and valued within a "friendly" community. While attendance and behaviour are at the "expected standard," the inspection identifies that some pupils do not achieve as well as they should in reading, writing, and mathematics due to gaps in prior skills. Leaders are actively working to address these issues, with improvements already evident in early years and specific assessments.
Strengths
- Pupils conduct themselves positively, with bullying described as a "rare occurrence" and high levels of mutual respect.
- Attendance rates have improved significantly and are now "in line with the national average," including for disadvantaged pupils.
- Children in the early years enjoy "warm and nurturing relationships" with staff and make good progress in language and literacy.
- Staff provide effective, targeted support for pupils with additional needs, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Leaders have implemented a "well-designed programme" for personal development, offering inclusive extra-curricular opportunities.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff deliver the curriculum consistently well, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics, to improve learning quality.
- Any knowledge and skills gaps in pupils' core literacy and numeracy skills must be rapidly addressed to enable better achievement.
- Staff should check pupils' understanding consistently and regularly to help deepen knowledge across all subjects.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed to ensure pupils feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 42% |
| 2023/24 | 32% |
| 2024/25 | 18% |
| 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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