St Thomas C of E Primary School, Halliwell
Bolton, BL1 3JB · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
55th 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 — 2.0/10 against 2,393 of them, against 2.1/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| Ofsted | 92 | 35% | 3.20 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Thomas C of E Primary School, Halliwell overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, 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 (2.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.1 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in March 2026 under the new report-card framework.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join art and crafts clubs and attend school trips to galleries. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 366 pupils against a stated capacity of 367. 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 who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the art and crafts clubs? How does the school manage the transition for children joining the single remaining place?
What Ofsted said about St Thomas C of E Primary School, Halliwell
Overview
The inspection describes St Thomas C of E Primary School as a place where every child is “known, valued and empowered to thrive.” Leaders and governors share a vision for the school as a place of “resilience and aspiration,” underpinned by a culture of care and high expectations. While published national test results are below average, the report highlights that pupils currently in the school make “impressive progress from very low starting points.”
Strengths
- Attendance and behaviour are rated at a “Strong standard,” with the school described as an “oasis of calm” where bullying is rare and pupils show high levels of respect.
- The curriculum and teaching are praised for being “very well matched to pupils’ needs,” with staff using in-depth subject knowledge to break down learning effectively.
- Inclusion is a “Strong standard,” with leaders having an “unwavering commitment” to removing barriers to learning and celebrating diverse cultures.
- Personal development is a strength, with pupils participating in enriching activities like the ‘11 before 11’ programme that build confidence and self-esteem.
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an “open culture” where concerns are actively identified and managed.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should continue their focus on improving achievement for all groups of pupils, “striving to reach national expectations by the end of key stage 2.”
Safeguarding
The report states that safeguarding standards are met, noting that leaders have established an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” and that pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 54% |
| 2023/24 | 44% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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 3JB, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT