The Olive Tree Primary School Bolton
Bolton, BL3 3NY · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
24th 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 — 8.3/10 against 3,328 of them, against 7.6/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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 Olive Tree Primary School Bolton overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, with the most recent inspection in 2025-03. In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 12.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 418 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
With the roll at 418 against a capacity of 420, how does the school manage class sizes for new intakes? Since the inspection was in 2025-03, what specific improvements have been made to the curriculum since that visit? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about The Olive Tree Primary School Bolton
Overview
The Olive Tree Primary School Bolton has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection. The school fosters a culture of equality, respect, and compassion, with pupils demonstrating an excellent understanding of diverse faiths and cultures. Leaders hold high expectations for behaviour and achievement, creating calm classrooms where pupils feel happy and safe.
Strengths
- Pupils have a "strong conviction that everyone should be treated with respect" and a detailed understanding of fundamental British values.
- The curriculum is ambitious, with teachers using a "consistent approach" in reading, writing, and mathematics to address knowledge gaps.
- The school supports pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "exceptionally well," enabling them to learn the same curriculum as their peers.
- Staff benefit from "high-quality training," and parents appreciate resources like weekly videos that help reinforce learning at home.
- Early years staff teach phonics consistently well, ensuring many pupils become "confident and fluent readers by the end of Year 2."
Areas to improve
- In a small number of foundation subjects, curriculum checks are not effective enough to identify inconsistencies that limit pupils' deep knowledge.
- Some learning activities in these subjects do not sufficiently build understanding of key curriculum content, resulting in insecure knowledge for some pupils.
Safeguarding
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 | 66% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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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