St Mary's CofE Primary School, Deane
Bolton, BL3 4QP · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
19th 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 — 7.7/10 against 1,647 of them, against 6.3/10 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 | 66.0 · 54 | 40% | 2.16 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
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 CofE Primary School, Deane overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 13.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 448 pupils against a stated capacity of 500. 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 trips are planned for the next academic year? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's CofE Primary School, Deane
Overview
St Mary’s CofE Primary School, Deane continues to be an outstanding school. The report describes the quality of education as “exemplary,” noting that pupils “blossom socially and academically” within a “warm and nurturing” environment. Leaders maintain high ambitions for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), who typically achieve exceptionally well.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “well-thought-out and highly ambitious,” with knowledge, skills, and vocabulary carefully sequenced to ensure pupils build “deep knowledge” of current and past topics.
- Teachers are “exceptionally well prepared” due to heavy investment in subject-specific training, delivering lessons where new learning builds securely on prior understanding.
- Reading is central to the school’s work; staff are “experts in the teaching of phonics,” ensuring pupils, including those with SEND, read books matched to their known sounds.
- Behaviour is excellent, with pupils described as “kind hearted and well mannered,” contributing to classrooms that are “very calm and orderly.”
- Attendance has improved significantly, with the proportion of pupils absent for extended periods having “reduce significantly.”
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 69% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| 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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