St Peter's Smithills Dean Church of England Primary School
Bolton, BL1 6LA · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
41st 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 the 3,755 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.9/10 among 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 Peter's Smithills Dean Church of England Primary School 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 December 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.9 out of 10 among them, against 5.5 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the St. Peter's Shining Stars club, play Cross Country or Girls' Football, and sing in the School Choir. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 215 pupils against a stated capacity of 218. 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 school support pupils to bridge the gap between the expected and higher standards? What specific strategies are used to improve reading outcomes for the cohort?
What Ofsted said about St Peter's Smithills Dean Church of England Primary School
Overview
St Peter's Smithills Dean Church of England Primary School continues to be a "good school," confirmed during an ungraded inspection in October 2022. Leaders maintain an "ambitious" vision, fostering a community where pupils feel "safe," "proud," and "well supported." The school delivers a high-quality education with strong behaviour and attendance, ensuring all pupils, including those with special educational needs, access an "exciting" and "engaging" curriculum.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "exciting, engaging and ambitious," with school values and cultural diversity woven throughout subjects.
- Teachers possess "secure subject knowledge" and present content in a "logical order" to deepen pupil understanding over time.
- Reading is prioritised effectively; most pupils become "fluent readers by the end of key stage 1" through well-trained staff and timely support.
- Pupils demonstrate high standards of behaviour, being "polite and well mannered," with disruption to learning being "rare."
- Leaders provide extensive enrichment opportunities, such as visits and trips, which help pupils develop "teamwork skills" and understand "wider society."
Areas to improve
- In a "very small number of subjects," leaders have not made it clear enough to teachers about the "most important knowledge" pupils should learn, which "prevents some pupils from learning all that they could."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with staff being "well trained" and "alert to any potential risks" to keep pupils safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 72% |
| 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
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 6LA, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT