St Michael's CofE Primary School, Great Lever
Bolton, BL3 2PL · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
39th 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 — 6.6/10 against 2,480 of them, against 5.5/10 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 40% | 1.47 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 16.0 · 85 | 25% | 2.13 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Michael's CofE Primary School, Great Lever overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 16.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 487 pupils against a stated capacity of 475. 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 available for pupils who have not reached the expected standard in maths? How does the school maintain its Good rating while managing a roll above its designated places?
What Ofsted said about St Michael's CofE Primary School, Great Lever
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that St Michael’s CofE Primary School remains ‘good’, with evidence suggesting it could achieve ‘outstanding’ if a graded inspection were conducted now. The school is described as ‘friendly and welcoming’, where pupils demonstrate ‘kindness and respect’ and work hard to meet high expectations. Leaders have implemented a ‘broad and ambitious curriculum’ that ensures all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make strong progress.
Strengths
- The curriculum is ‘well-structured’, allowing teachers to identify and address knowledge gaps quickly so pupils can ‘catch up rapidly’.
- Reading is a ‘high priority’, with a phonics programme delivered to a ‘very high standard’ and a strong culture of ‘reading for pleasure’.
- Pupils with English as an additional language are supported through targeted teaching of ‘subject-specific vocabulary’ from the early years.
- Disadvantaged pupils ‘achieve highly, often outperforming their peers’, supported by effective strategies and enrichment opportunities.
- Staff feel ‘very well supported by leaders’, who take effective steps to manage workload and focus time on pupil benefit.
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 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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