St Mary's RC Primary School
Horwich, Bolton, BL6 6EP · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
67th 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 the 4,203 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.6/10 among them, against 3.5/10 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 40% | 1.18 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
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 RC Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.6 out of 10 among them, against 3.5 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join the School Choir, participate in Dance, Athletics, and Cross Country, and perform in Nativities, Junior Carol Concerts, an Easter Cantata, and a Summer production. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 214 pupils against a stated capacity of 218. 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? How does the curriculum prepare children for the transition to secondary school?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's RC Primary School
Overview
St Mary’s RC Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The report describes a “happy school” with a “warm and welcoming culture” where pupils are proud, confident, and work harmoniously. Leaders and staff are described as a “tight-knit team” who effectively support pupil development and high expectations.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well, with attainment in reading, writing, and mathematics “significantly above the national average” by the end of key stage 2.
- The curriculum is “ambitious” with learning organised in “small, logical steps,” and staff explain new concepts clearly.
- Early readers receive “effective support” and read with “growing fluency” following improvements to the early reading programme.
- Pupils demonstrate excellent behaviour and attendance, which is “above the national average,” in a “calm and purposeful atmosphere.”
- There is an “impressive range of opportunities” for personal development, including cultural visits and leadership roles.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, work to connect earlier learning with new content is at an “earlier stage of development,” resulting in uneven and less deep learning.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is “not tailored closely enough to meet their individual needs,” hampering their progress.
Safeguarding
The report states that “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 | 78% |
| 2024/25 | 56% |
| 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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