St William of York Roman Catholic Primary School
Bolton, BL3 3DE · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
11th 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 — 9.3/10 against 2,170 of them, against 8.3/10 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 | 84.0 · 93 | 62% | 5.73 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 38% | 2.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St William of York Roman Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 84.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 10.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in gymnastics and visit an outdoor pursuits centre and the Science and Technology Centre. A breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 233 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 is the breakfast club integrated into the morning routine?
What Ofsted said about St William of York Roman Catholic Primary School
Overview
Pupils receive a “wonderful and happy learning experience” characterised by “high expectations” and “impeccable” behaviour. The school delivers a “remarkably effective” curriculum, particularly in English and mathematics, where pupils achieve outcomes significantly better than national averages. Leaders have maintained high standards despite significant disruption from building safety issues, ensuring a positive culture for both staff and pupils.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “expertly designed” with “crystal clear” expectations, enabling pupils to “deeply understand and apply their knowledge.”
- Pupils are “strong mathematicians” with “fantastic reading skills,” supported by a strong focus on phonics and vocabulary from the early years.
- Behaviour is “impeccable” and conduct “exemplary,” driven by “trusting relationships” between staff and pupils.
- Personal development is robust, with pupils becoming “well-informed modern British citizens” who “celebrate the diversity” within the school.
- Staff workload is “balanced carefully,” and leaders provide “effective professional development” to support high classroom standards.
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 | 83% |
| 2023/24 | 76% |
| 2024/25 | 84% |
| 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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