Withnell Fold Primary School
Chorley, PR6 8BA · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
353rd 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 1,407 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.3/10 among them, against 1.0/10 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 | 42.0 · 10 | 40% | 0.38 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
Withnell Fold Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 42.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.3 out of 10 among them, against 1.0 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 83 pupils against a stated capacity of 98. 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 strategies are used to raise attainment in maths? How does the school maintain its Good rating while addressing the gap in higher standard results?
What Ofsted said about Withnell Fold Primary School
Overview
Withnell Fold Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils describe the school as a “nurturing village school” where they feel “safe and happy” and are proud to attend. The report highlights an ambitious curriculum, exemplary behaviour, and strong personal development, though some curriculum areas require further refinement.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit “exemplary” behaviour, being “polite,” “respectful,” and “confident” in their interactions.
- The curriculum is largely “ambitious and well designed,” enriched by trips such as visits to an archaeological dig and a Buddhist temple.
- Staff effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), enabling them to “learn successfully alongside their classmates.”
- Reading is prioritised through a “well-structured phonics programme,” helping pupils develop into “fluent readers.”
- Staff feel “valued” due to leaders’ consideration of workload and well-being in this small school setting.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, the school has not yet “clearly defined the key knowledge and skills,” limiting how well pupils learn in these areas.
- Inaccuracies in some pupils’ writing “sometimes go unchecked,” causing them to repeat errors and hamper their achievement in writing.
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 | 64% |
| 2023/24 | 27% |
| 2024/25 | 42% |
| 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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