Sunning Hill Primary School
Bolton, BL3 6TR · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
15th 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 — 8.7/10 against 3,348 of them, against 7.9/10 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 | 74.0 · 76 | 62% | 4.65 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 16.0 · 85 | 38% | 3.28 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sunning Hill Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 74.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 16.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Nurture Club and Lego Therapy, and a breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 526 pupils against a stated capacity of 531. 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 Nurture Club support pupils who need extra help? What does the daily routine look like for children attending the breakfast club?
What Ofsted said about Sunning Hill Primary School
Overview
Sunning Hill Primary School is described as a “nurturing” environment where pupils are “very happy” and demonstrate “exceptional” behaviour. The report highlights an “ambitious curriculum” and “high expectations” that drive strong achievement, particularly in the early years, where provision is judged “Outstanding”.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit “exceptionally well” behaviour, showing “resilience” and “rapt attention” from the early years through to Year 6.
- The early years provision is “Outstanding”, with children making “exceptional progress” and being “exceptionally well prepared for key stage 1”.
- Teachers possess “strong knowledge” of their subjects and use assessment data to “adapt teaching” effectively, supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to learn alongside classmates.
- Leaders have developed a “clear vision” and maintain “very strong relationships” with families, while staff feel their “hard work is valued”.
- Pupils engage in a “wide range of activities”, including music and debating, and actively contribute to the community through charity work and environmental projects.
Areas to improve
- The school must build on recent curriculum changes to improve key stage 2 reading skills, specifically regarding “accuracy, self-correction and the understanding of more sophisticated vocabulary”.
- Teachers in a small number of subjects should “revisit essential knowledge sufficiently frequently” to ensure pupils can recall key concepts and build on prior learning when starting new topics.
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 | 78% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 2024/25 | 74% |
| 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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