Balshaw Lane Community Primary School
96%
Capacity
402
Pupils
2.9x
Demand
About Balshaw Lane Community Primary School
Balshaw Lane Community Primary School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Chorley community, welcoming children from age 4 to 11. The school has 402 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (96% of 420 places).
Ofsted has rated Balshaw Lane Community Primary School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Catherine Hodgson, it falls under Lancashire local authority.
Balshaw Lane Community Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 120 applications for 42 places, making it 2.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 36 were first-preference applications.
Balshaw Lane Community Primary School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is overwhelmingly positive, with 95% recommending the school (75 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Balshaw Lane Community Primary School include Outdoor Playground, Music Rooms, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Dining Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Athletics, Netball, Swimming and 1 more, as well as clubs including Eco Club, Coding, Drama, Gardening and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 11.7%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Chorley, Balshaw Lane Community Primary School is one of the options available in the North West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 4 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Bredon Avenue, Chorley, Chorley, PR7 6NS |
| Headteacher | Catherine Hodgson |
| Local Authority | Lancashire |
| Number of Pupils | 402 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 11.7% |
| School Capacity | 402 / 420 (96% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
23 Apr 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 20 May 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Ofsted Parent View
75 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed42
120
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
36 families put this school as their 1st choice (30% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Balshaw Lane Community Primary School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Bredon Avenue, Chorley
Chorley, PR7 6NS
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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