St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Scarisbrick
Ormskirk, L40 9QE · Lancashire · primary school
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405th 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 the 3,510 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.1/10 among them, against 1.9/10 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 40% | 0.96 |
| Ofsted | 6 | 35% | 0.21 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Scarisbrick overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.0% 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%, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.1 out of 10 among them, against 1.9 out of 10 nationally. An inspection in February 2026 used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join cricket, dance, football, fencing, multi-skills, and running clubs.
Getting in
The published school roll is 56 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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? What specific steps are taken to raise attainment towards the higher standard? How does the new inspection framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Scarisbrick
Overview
The report describes a school where leaders are actively working to improve curriculum, teaching, and pupil achievement. While safeguarding standards are met and attendance has improved, the school is currently fulfilling only the 'expected standard' in most areas, with specific aspects requiring attention. Leaders demonstrate a secure understanding of necessary improvements and are well placed to implement them.
Strengths
- Attendance is above the national average, with persistent absence rates now below the national average due to "careful, consistent work" by leaders.
- Behaviour is excellent; pupils are "polite and well-mannered," creating a "calm and purposeful atmosphere" where bullying is not a problem.
- Early years provision has been effectively improved, with a "thoughtfully designed" curriculum that builds knowledge step by step.
- Personal development is becoming a strength, with pupils taking on leadership roles and benefiting from a "broad, varied enrichment offer."
- Staff feel supported, with leaders creating a "culture of trust and collaboration" and addressing workload concerns.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure teachers "check, identify and respond swiftly and routinely to gaps in pupils' foundational knowledge," particularly in handwriting, spelling, and number facts.
- Staff need to identify barriers to learning for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities with "more precision" and set more pertinent, measurable targets.
- Teaching must be more consistent to help capable pupils "deepen and embed their knowledge" and achieve higher standards in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 14% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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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