Walverden Primary School
Nelson, BB9 0TL · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
148th 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 — 7.4/10 against 1,615 of them, against 6.0/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| 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.
Walverden Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% 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 this, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Drama Club and Art Club, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 448 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
Since the last inspection was in 2023, what specific improvements have been made to the curriculum since then? How does the school support pupils in transitioning to secondary education?
What Ofsted said about Walverden Primary School
Overview
Walverden Primary School continues to be a good school, where staff and pupils are described as "caring and welcoming." Leaders have shaped an ambitious curriculum that prioritises communication and language, helping pupils, including those with special educational needs, to thrive academically and feel safe.
Strengths
- Pupils are "respectful and polite," responding well to high behavioural expectations, with bullying resolved "sensitively and swiftly."
- Leaders have crafted a curriculum that is "ambitious for all pupils," with clear sequencing in most subjects that helps deepen understanding over time.
- Phonics provision is effective, with well-trained teachers ensuring pupils "read with confidence" and receive support if they fall behind.
- Staff feel "valued" and supported, with leaders prioritising workload and well-being through networking opportunities.
- Pupils develop an enthusiasm for reading and engage positively in community service, such as making hampers for the elderly.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, leaders have not clarified how new learning connects to prior knowledge, hindering pupils from "building their knowledge securely."
- Teachers’ checks on learning are not always effective in identifying gaps, meaning some pupils find it hard to recall what has been taught.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with secure reporting systems and well-trained staff ensuring that any pupil at risk of harm is identified and supported.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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