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The Roebuck School

Preston, PR2 2BN · Lancashire · primary school

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Ofsted report card · 2026 Lowest area: Needs attention Mixed Primary
1.3/10 Well below average

407th 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 — 1.5/10 against 2,295 of them, against 1.6/10 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 44.0 · 12 40% 0.47
Ofsted 7 35% 0.24
Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 2.0 · 24 25% 0.59

Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.

The Roebuck School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 44.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, 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 (1.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.6 out of 10 against all schools). The most recent inspection took place in March 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.

Getting in

The published school roll is 340 pupils against a stated capacity of 349. 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 steps are taken to raise attainment in writing? How does the new inspection framework affect current teaching priorities?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about The Roebuck School

Inspection report dated 24 March 2026

Overview

The report describes a school where leaders have redesigned the curriculum and teaching to respond to a shifting pupil population, with improvements "beginning to bear fruit." While pupils feel safe and behaviour is positive, historical underachievement in core subjects and persistent attendance issues remain challenges that require sustained effort to resolve.

Strengths

  • The curriculum is "ambitious and sequenced carefully," prioritising reading, writing, and mathematics, with teachers demonstrating "secure subject knowledge."
  • Inclusion is thorough, with a "thorough and systematic approach" to identifying additional needs; the 'thrive room' provides effective support for emotional regulation.
  • Early years provision is strong, with a curriculum that "flows smoothly from Nursery to Reception" and a focus on communication and language.
  • Staff benefit from a "supportive culture" where they feel empowered, and governors provide "strong support" while challenging leaders when necessary.
  • Personal development is comprehensive, with pupils demonstrating a "secure understanding of the importance of mutual tolerance and respect."

Areas to improve

  • Leaders must ensure staff use checks of learning consistently to close knowledge gaps more quickly, as some gaps "persist longer than they should."
  • Systems to secure rapid improvement in reading, writing, and mathematics must be embedded in daily practice so more pupils are ready for key stage 3.
  • Leaders should strengthen oversight of attendance to ensure more pupils attend regularly, as improvements are "not yet sustained."

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.

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Expected standard
44%
2024/25
Higher standard
2%
2024/25
Demand
×0.55
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
32%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.

36% 2022/23
40% 2023/24
44% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for The Roebuck School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2336%
2023/2440%
2024/2544%
England64%

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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