St Matthew's Church of England Primary Academy
Preston, PR1 5XB · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
421st 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 2,363 of them, against 1.0/10 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 | 42.0 · 10 | 62% | 0.59 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Matthew's Church of England Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 42.0% 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, 1.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Archery Club, and a breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 415 pupils against a stated capacity of 406. 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 expected standard in maths? How does the Archery Club fit into the weekly timetable?
What Ofsted said about St Matthew's Church of England Primary Academy
Overview
Pupils enjoy attending this “welcoming school” where they feel safe and behave well. However, the quality of education and early years provision are judged as “Requires improvement” because the curriculum is not consistently delivered effectively, leaving many pupils with gaps in their knowledge.
Strengths
- Pupils display “positive attitudes to their work” and behave well, with learning rarely interrupted.
- The reading curriculum is “well considered and delivered,” helping younger pupils read with fluency and accuracy.
- Staff have “high expectations of behaviour” and build “trusting and helpful relationships” with families, improving attendance.
- The provision for pupils’ spiritual development is “strong,” supported by close links with the local church.
- The school “swiftly identifies the differing needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)” and uses well-chosen resources to support them.
Areas to improve
- Teachers need support to deliver the curriculum “consistently well,” as activity choices are not always precisely linked to intended learning, leading to misconceptions.
- Staff in the early years must better support communication and language needs so children develop the vocabulary required for Year 1.
- Teachers’ checks on pupils’ understanding must be more precise to identify and address misconceptions swiftly, ensuring pupils build knowledge securely over time.
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 | 38% |
| 2023/24 | 38% |
| 2024/25 | 42% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of PR1 5XB, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT