The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School, Preston
Preston, PR2 6LX · Lancashire · primary school
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416th of 448 primary schools in Lancashire we can score, 481 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 — 1.3/10 against 2,176 of them, against 1.5/10 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 | 36.0 · 6 | 40% | 0.22 |
| Ofsted | 5 | 35% | 0.18 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School, Preston overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 36.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0% of pupils, 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 (1.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.5 out of 10 against all schools). The March 2026 inspection used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
An after-school club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 393 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 areas did the March 2026 inspection highlight for improvement? How does the after-school club structure its activities for different age groups?
What Ofsted said about The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School, Preston
Overview
The report describes a school where leaders have created an inclusive environment with strong support for pupils’ wellbeing and special educational needs. However, recent staffing changes have hindered progress, resulting in below-average attainment and attendance, though improvements are beginning to emerge.
Strengths
- Staff "make time to get to know pupils well" and provide effective support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
- A "nurturing and welcoming" culture helps pupils build emotional resilience and feel they belong.
- Leaders have strengthened phonics teaching, with Year 1 phonics results now "in line with their peers nationally."
- Pupils engage in a wide range of enrichment activities and develop a strong understanding of diversity and British values.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure behaviour records contain clearer information on bullying and derogatory language to enable swift action.
- The writing curriculum requires review to help pupils form letters correctly and spell accurately, addressing current gaps in fluency.
- Leaders should identify the most important knowledge in some subjects and align early years teaching more closely with children’s starting points.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 38% |
| 2023/24 | 26% |
| 2024/25 | 36% |
| 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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