St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Primary School, Padiham
Burnley, BB12 7BN · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
124th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.1/10 against 3,465 of 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 | 80.0 · 88 | 40% | 3.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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 the Baptist Roman Catholic Primary School, Padiham overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 80.0% 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%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Gardening Club and Eco Warriors, and take part in Zumba, Martial Arts and Swimming. They attend trips to the Fireground Museum, Ribchester Roman Museum, Gawthorpe Hall, LEGOLAND, Burnley Science Festival, Eureka, Immersive Gamebox and Turbary Woods. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 233 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
What specific support is provided for pupils who do not reach the higher standard? How are the various trips integrated into the curriculum?
What Ofsted said about St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Primary School, Padiham
Overview
St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils are described as ‘well mannered and respectful’. Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and achievement, fostering an environment where students feel safe, happy, and proud of their work. The school is praised for its ‘aspirational curriculum’ and strong community spirit, though specific improvements are required in early reading and subject implementation.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate the school’s mission to ‘Love One Another’, acting as ‘wonderful ambassadors’ with exemplary behaviour.
- The curriculum is carefully designed so that ‘new learning builds on what pupils have learned before’, supporting confident learners.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are fully included and ‘achieve well’ through timely support.
- Staff describe the school as a ‘family’, appreciating leaders’ efforts regarding well-being and workload.
- Parents and carers are ‘very positive’ about the school, praising leaders’ support for families.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff are supported to help younger pupils who are ‘unable to blend sounds to make words’ catch up quickly.
- Leaders should provide subject leaders with the time and training necessary to oversee curriculum implementation effectively, as some teachers do not teach key facts as intended.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a ‘strong safeguarding culture’ where staff receive regular training and work effectively with external agencies.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 80% |
| 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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