St Paul's CofE Primary School, Astley Bridge
Bolton, BL1 8QA · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
13th 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 — 9.1/10 against 2,562 of them, against 8.1/10 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 | 79.0 · 86 | 62% | 5.28 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 38% | 2.84 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Paul's CofE Primary School, Astley Bridge overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 79.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 12.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access swimming and Bikeability lessons, artist visits, and Forest School trips. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 251 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 aiming for the higher standard? How are the breakfast and after-school clubs structured to support daily routines?
What Ofsted said about St Paul's CofE Primary School, Astley Bridge
Overview
St Paul’s is described as an “exciting place to learn” where “pupils thrive in this happy school.” The report highlights “exceptionally strong” relationships between adults and pupils, supported by the school’s ‘four pillars’ which ensure everyone feels “welcome and respected.” Leaders maintain “high expectations for pupils’ academic achievement,” resulting in students being “remarkably well prepared for the next stage in their education.”
Strengths
- Pupils display “exemplary” behaviour, showing “great consideration and politeness towards others.”
- The curriculum is “engaging” and successfully meets pupils’ needs, with staff ensuring mastery of foundational knowledge before advancing.
- Reading is “at the heart of pupils’ learning,” with well-trained staff delivering expert phonics sessions that help the “vast majority of pupils become fluent readers.”
- The school “skilfully identifies and addresses the additional needs of pupils with SEND,” allowing most to access the same curriculum as their peers.
- Pupils benefit from a “vast array of high-quality enrichment activities,” such as visiting law firms and learning in the school’s ‘Wild Wood.’
Areas to improve
- The school must continue to support the “small proportion of pupils” who “do not attend school as regularly as they should.”
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 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 79% |
| 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
- Open evening7 Nov 2026
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 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 BL1 8QA, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT