The Valley Community Primary School
Bolton, BL1 8JG · Bolton · primary school
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3rd 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 — 9.6/10 against 4,058 of them, against 9.4/10 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 | 83.0 · 92 | 40% | 3.67 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 27.0 · 97 | 25% | 2.42 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Valley Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 83.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 27.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in November 2023. 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 (9.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join chess clubs, play football, and participate in drama groups.
Getting in
The published school roll is 538 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 class sizes with a roll exceeding capacity by 118? What support is available for pupils who have not yet reached the higher standard in core subjects? How are the drama and football activities scheduled within the weekly timetable?
What Ofsted said about The Valley Community Primary School
Overview
The report describes an exceptional school where pupils are "very proud" and value learning, benefiting from a "highly effective curriculum" and "well-thought-out support." Leaders maintain "extremely high expectations," resulting in pupils who are "exceptionally well prepared for the next stage in their education" and demonstrate "exemplary behaviour."
Strengths
- The curriculum for Years 1 to 6 is "skilfully crafted," introducing knowledge in a "logical order" so pupils build securely on prior learning.
- The reading programme is "highly effective," with "expertly delivered" phonics ensuring pupils become "confident and accomplished readers."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive "highly effective and well-matched support," enabling them to achieve "exceptionally well."
- Pupils show "extremely positive attitudes to learning," are "self-motivated," and actively contribute to the smooth running of the school through various leadership roles.
- Governors have "excellent oversight" of education quality, working closely with staff to ensure well-being is considered and all pupils achieve as well as they can.
Areas to improve
- The curriculum for some areas of learning in the early years "lacks clarity," making it difficult for staff to know what children should achieve by the end of Reception.
- Staff sometimes "miss opportunities to check for and then address gaps in children’s knowledge" in the early years.
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 | 83% |
| 2023/24 | 88% |
| 2024/25 | 83% |
| 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
- Open day5 Oct 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
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