Thornton Primary School
Thornton-Cleveleys, FY5 4JP · Lancashire · primary school
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219th 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 5.3/10 against 1,800 of them, against 4.3/10 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 | 45.0 · 13 | 40% | 0.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 20.0 · 92 | 25% | 2.30 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Thornton Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 20.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 149 pupils against a stated capacity of 175. 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 literacy? What specific activities are available for pupils to join after the school day ends?
What Ofsted said about Thornton Primary School
Overview
Thornton Primary School is rated as ‘Good’ overall, with ‘Outstanding’ personal development. Pupils are described as ‘confident, polite’ and they ‘thrive’ in a calm atmosphere where bullying is not tolerated. The school provides a rich curriculum and exceptional opportunities for character development, preparing pupils well for the next stage of their education.
Strengths
- Leaders have ‘high aspirations for all pupils’, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils.
- The curriculum is carefully designed to help pupils ‘build their knowledge securely’ on the strong start made in the early years.
- Staff deliver the phonics programme ‘effectively’, ensuring less confident readers are supported to ‘catch up quickly’.
- Pupils develop a ‘deep understanding of the differences that exist between people’ and learn to respect those from different cultures.
- Governors provide ‘effective challenge and support to leaders’, while staff value the consideration shown for their workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- Teachers sometimes fail to ‘spot and address the misconceptions that some pupils have about their learning’ quickly enough, which hinders progress.
- Leaders should ensure teachers are ‘well equipped to address these pupils’ gaps in knowledge in a timely manner’ so pupils can achieve as well as they should.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with a ‘strong safeguarding culture’ where staff receive necessary training and report concerns in a timely manner.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 43% |
| 2023/24 | 79% |
| 2024/25 | 45% |
| 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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