The Ferns Primary Academy
Bolton, BL4 0DA · Bolton · primary school
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12th 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 — 8.9/10 against 2,274 of them, against 7.8/10 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 | 76.0 · 80 | 40% | 3.19 |
| Ofsted | 91 | 35% | 3.19 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Ferns Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 76.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 12.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in January 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join clubs such as Phonics Intervention, Mini Arts & Crafts, Fun and Games, Starbooks, MTC workshop, Y6 boosters, Arts and Crafts, and Woodlands. The school also runs the Sing and Shine – The Ferns Choir and provides an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 445 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
What specific support is available for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard? How does the new Ofsted framework affect the current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about The Ferns Primary Academy
Overview
The Ferns Primary Academy is described as a "friendly, thriving school" where pupils are "enthused to attend" and "achieve very well across the curriculum." Leaders have established a "rigorous curriculum" and a "positive, collaborative culture" that ensures high standards despite recent leadership changes.
Strengths
- Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils, "make consistently secure progress" and often exceed national averages.
- Teachers deliver a "precisely set out" curriculum using a "keep up, not catch up" approach, ensuring knowledge is retained and gaps are addressed swiftly.
- The early years provision is "highly responsive," with children leaving Reception "well prepared for Year 1" through secure phonics and language development.
- Leaders have created a "highly effective professional learning culture" where staff feel "very well supported" and morale is high.
- Pupils demonstrate "confidence, resilience and a deep sense of belonging," benefiting from enriching experiences that broaden their horizons.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure that adaptive practice for pupils with SEND is "consistently highly effective," as some adaptations do not yet precisely match individual needs.
- Leaders should ensure that behaviour expectations and management approaches are "consistently applied by all staff" to avoid inconsistent guidance for a small number of pupils.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring 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 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 87% |
| 2024/25 | 76% |
| 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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