St Matthew's CofE Primary School, Bolton
Bolton, BL1 2JL · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
82nd 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 1.4/10 against 1,247 of them, against 1.3/10 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 | 47.0 · 15 | 40% | 0.60 |
| 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 Matthew's CofE Primary School, Bolton overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 47.0% 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 (1.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 424 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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
Since the latest inspection was in 2023, what specific improvements have been made to raise attainment in maths? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in their daily lessons?
What Ofsted said about St Matthew's CofE Primary School, Bolton
Overview
St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils achieve well and are happy. Leaders have developed a broad and ambitious curriculum that enables pupils to connect learning across subjects, preparing them well for the next stage of their education.
Strengths
- Teachers have high aspirations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), who learn well.
- Pupils benefit from a strong personal development programme and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities that are accessible to all.
- Leaders promote a love of reading through an effective curriculum and an inspirational indoor woodland library, helping pupils become fluent readers.
- Staff manage behaviour effectively, creating positive environments where pupils feel safe and confident to be themselves.
- Leaders work closely with external agencies to support international new arrivals and pupils with additional needs.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, teachers do not check sufficiently well on pupils’ learning, leading to occasional gaps in knowledge that hinder subsequent learning.
- Too many pupils are absent or persistently absent from school, which has a negative impact on their learning and progress.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving comprehensive training and leaders working proactively with other agencies to ensure pupils receive timely support.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 38% |
| 2023/24 | 46% |
| 2024/25 | 47% |
| 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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