St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Sabden
Clitheroe, BB7 9ED · Lancashire · primary school
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359th 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 — 0.7/10 against 2,806 of them, against 1.1/10 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 | 43.0 · 11 | 40% | 0.42 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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 Roman Catholic Primary School, Sabden overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 43.0% 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% of pupils, 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 (0.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 69 pupils against a stated capacity of 90. 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 have not reached the expected standard in core subjects? What specific steps are taken to improve attainment in reading and writing? How does the school plan to raise the percentage of pupils achieving the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Sabden
Overview
St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School, Sabden, continues to be a good school. The inspection confirms that leaders have created an inclusive environment with a well-thought-out curriculum that helps pupils learn over time. Pupils are happy, enjoy attending school, and benefit from high expectations and warm relationships with staff.
Strengths
- Pupils are ‘happy and enjoy attending school’ within a ‘close-knit’ community where they feel ‘all are welcome’.
- Leaders have designed a curriculum that carefully considers ‘the building blocks of knowledge’ to help pupils ‘know and remember more’.
- Phonics teaching is effective, with books ‘very well matched to the letter sounds’ pupils know, ensuring no child falls behind.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a priority, ensuring they ‘access the same curriculum as their peers’.
- The school is ‘exceptionally well led and managed’, with staff appreciating support for their workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, teachers do not use assessment effectively enough to ‘identify and address gaps in pupils’ knowledge’.
- Leaders should ensure ‘clear assessment strategies’ are in place so teachers know what content pupils need to revisit before moving on.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a ‘strong culture of safeguarding’ where staff can spot signs of abuse and know how to support pupils at risk.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 43% |
| 2023/24 | 10% |
| 2024/25 | 43% |
| 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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