The Olive School, Bolton
Bolton, BL1 3DX · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
1st 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 10.0/10 against 3,780 of them, against 9.9/10 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 | 95.0 · 99 | 40% | 3.97 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 32.0 · 99 | 25% | 2.47 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Olive School, Bolton overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 95.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 32.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (10.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in April 2025.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Drama, Reading, Gardening, Arabic, French, Lego, and Coding Clubs. Sports include football, swimming, the daily mile, and orienteering. Arts activities feature choir and Olive's Got Talent. Trips range from Y2 Science Museum visits to Y6 London residencies. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 422 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 manage the current over-capacity status for new admissions? What specific support is provided for pupils aiming for the higher standard in maths? How are the daily mile and swimming lessons integrated into the weekly timetable?
What Ofsted said about The Olive School, Bolton
Overview
The Olive School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection, where it was judged outstanding for overall effectiveness. The report describes the school as a "unique and special place" where pupils are "happy and are kept safe," conducting themselves with kindness and respect. Leaders have successfully enriched opportunities for personal development while maintaining high academic expectations.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well across the curriculum, with "particularly strong" attainment in English and mathematics, consistently performing above the national average.
- The school offers an "exceptional range of opportunities" for leadership, charitable work, and community support, such as the ‘help yourself hub’.
- Staff deliver a "well-designed curriculum" with clear expectations, ensuring pupils build knowledge securely and correct misconceptions effectively.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are identified early and supported well to access the "same ambitious curriculum" as their peers.
- Attendance rates are consistently high due to robust procedures, and staff feel "cared for and inspired" by considerate leadership.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, some pupils have gaps in their knowledge of important subject-specific vocabulary, which hinders their ability to deepen understanding.
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 | 92% |
| 2023/24 | 92% |
| 2024/25 | 95% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of BL1 3DX, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT