Whalley Church of England Primary School
Clitheroe, BB7 9SY · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
142nd 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 the 3,204 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.6/10 among them, against 8.3/10 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 | 81.0 · 89 | 40% | 3.57 |
| Ofsted | 12 | 35% | 0.40 |
| 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.
Whalley Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 81.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 12.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. An Ofsted inspection in March 2026 assessed the school under the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.6 out of 10 among them, against 8.3 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 315 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 working towards the expected standard in core subjects? What specific opportunities exist for pupils to develop their interests outside of the main curriculum? How does the school manage transitions for children moving between key stages?
What Ofsted said about Whalley Church of England Primary School
Overview
Whalley Church of England Primary School is described as a place where pupils are "happy, safe and well cared for." The report highlights that leaders have created a "calm, respectful and welcoming school" with a clear identity shaped by the 'Whalley Way'. Pupils achieve well overall, with outcomes in core subjects consistently above national averages, and the school fosters strong relationships with families and the community.
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility."
- Inclusion is rated at a "Strong standard," with leaders identifying needs quickly and ensuring pupils with special educational needs learn successfully alongside peers.
- Attendance is above the national average, supported by leaders who "analyse attendance information carefully" and tackle concerns early.
- Pupils make steady progress through a "broad and balanced" curriculum, with reading and mathematics taught well.
- The school’s Christian ethos is visible, helping pupils develop spiritual understanding and respect for different faiths.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure staff address "occasional gaps in some pupils' knowledge beyond English and mathematics."
- Staff must consistently maintain high expectations for early years children, particularly in writing, so capable pupils can achieve more.
- Leaders are working to narrow the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers, which is not currently closing.
Safeguarding
The report states that "safeguarding standards are met," confirming that leaders have established an open culture where concerns are actively identified, acted upon, and managed, ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 81% |
| 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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