The Ferns Primary Academy
Bolton, BL4 0DA · Bolton · primary school
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 1,987 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.
Get to know the school
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%. Only 12.0% reached the higher standard. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2026. 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).
Beyond the classroom. Pupils can join clubs including 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. An after-school club is available, but there is no breakfast club.
Getting in. The school has 450 pupils in a building with 420 places, meaning it is over capacity by 30. This means places are competitive.
Worth asking on a visit. How does the school manage the daily routine with 30 more pupils than its stated capacity? What specific support is offered to pupils who do not reach the expected standard in maths? How does the after-school club operate for families who need care until the end of the school day?
Written by AI from this school's published results, inspection record and its own website — not by Ofsted, the school, or SchoolsGPT staff. Every figure above comes from the sources on this page. Check anything that matters with the school.
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.
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