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Wensley Fold CofE Primary Academy

Blackburn, BB2 6LX · Blackburn with Darwen · primary school

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Ofsted: Outstanding · 2023 Inspected 3 years ago Mixed Primary Church of England
7.3/10 Above average

5th of 51 primary schools in Blackburn with Darwen we can score, 56 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 the 4,174 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.0/10 among them, against 6.1/10 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 83.0 · 92 40% 3.67
Ofsted 96 35% 3.37
Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 0.0 · 10 25% 0.26

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

Wensley Fold CofE Primary Academy 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%. However, 0.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in October 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.0 out of 10 among them, against 6.1 out of 10 nationally.

Getting in

The published school roll is 463 pupils against a stated capacity of 498. 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 35 places currently available, how does the school manage class sizes if demand rises next year? Since 0.0% of pupils reached the higher standard in 2024/25, what specific support is offered to stretch high-achievers? How does the school maintain its Outstanding rating while addressing the gap between expected and higher standards?

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 Wensley Fold CofE Primary Academy

Inspection report dated 10 October 2023

Overview

The report describes Wensley Fold CofE Primary Academy as a “very special place” where pupils receive an “exceptional” quality of education. Inspectors judged the school’s overall effectiveness, including early years provision, to be outstanding, noting that pupils achieve consistently high outcomes regardless of their starting points.

Strengths

  • The curriculum is “broad, exciting and highly ambitious,” with knowledge introduced in “small, well-ordered steps” to ensure deep learning.
  • Reading is “at the heart of the curriculum,” with pupils immersed in “captivating books and stories” and swift support provided for those at risk of falling behind.
  • Pupils’ behaviour is “impeccable” and “exemplary,” with older pupils acting as “excellent role models” and a strong focus on respect.
  • Personal development is fostered through an “impressively wide range of activities,” including caring for animals and running a small business, which helps pupils “make a difference.”
  • The school serves a diverse community effectively, with pupils who speak English as an additional language quickly developing “strong language and communication skills.”

Areas to improve

The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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
83%
2024/25
Higher standard
0%
2024/25
Demand
×1.44
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
10%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

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

75% 2022/23
70% 2023/24
83% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for Wensley Fold CofE Primary Academy
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2375%
2023/2470%
2024/2583%
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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