St Paul's Roman Catholic Primary School, Feniscowles, Blackburn
Blackburn, BB2 5EP · Blackburn with Darwen · primary school
Check the area around this school
28th of 51 primary schools in Blackburn with Darwen we can score, 56 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 the 2,757 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.0/10 among them, against 4.0/10 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 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
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 Roman Catholic Primary School, Feniscowles, Blackburn 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%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.0 out of 10 among them, against 4.0 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Eco Warriors, Planet Super League, Choir, School Newspaper, School Podcast, and Caritas Ambassadors. A breakfast club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 216 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
How does the curriculum support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for children joining the breakfast club before the school day begins?
What Ofsted said about St Paul's Roman Catholic Primary School, Feniscowles, Blackburn
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that St Paul’s Roman Catholic Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The report describes a school where pupils feel “happy and safe” within a “welcoming environment” characterised by a strong “family feel.” Leaders are effective, staff feel supported, and the curriculum is generally “rich and engaging,” ensuring pupils are well-prepared for secondary school.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “kind and courteous” behaviour, showing respect for staff and peers, with “no interruptions to lessons.”
- The curriculum is well-designed, helping pupils to “know more and remember more,” particularly in mathematics where they become “fluent with times tables work.”
- Staff support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “well,” providing “well-tailored support” that enables them to make “strong progress.”
- Reading is prioritised from the start; staff deliver phonics effectively, ensuring “nearly all pupils leave key stage one as fluent readers.”
- The school offers “extensive opportunities beyond the classroom,” including clubs and leadership roles that help pupils develop confidence and new skills.
Areas to improve
- In some lessons, tasks do not help pupils focus on “important knowledge that they should learn and remember,” which slows their progress. The school must ensure lessons better support the curriculum’s aims.
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 | 81% |
| 2023/24 | 76% |
| 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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