Bolton Primary School

About Bolton Primary School

Bolton Primary School’s Key Stage 2 results stand out sharply against the local authority average. In the 2023/24 academic year, 80% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with 58% across Westmorland and Furness. That 22-point gap places the school 7th out of 121 primary schools in the LA, putting it in the top 6% locally. The school is small — 59 pupils against a capacity of 60 — and oversubscribed, with 19 applications for 5 places in the 2025/26 admissions round, a ratio of 3.8 to one. All five first-preference families were offered a place, which suggests strong local demand but also that getting in is competitive. The most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023 rated the school Good across every category: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The previous inspection in 2011 also rated overall effectiveness as Good, so the school has maintained a consistent standard over time.

Looking at the detail behind the headline figures, Bolton’s KS2 results show particular strength in reading and maths. 90% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, with 40% reaching the higher standard; in maths, 90% met the expected standard and 30% hit the higher mark. The average reading score was 109 and the average maths score was 106, both above the national average. Writing was slightly lower, with 80% at expected and 40% at the higher standard. The school does not publish Progress 8 scores, so it is not possible to say how much value it adds relative to pupils’ starting points, but the raw attainment figures are strong. In the LA rankings, Bolton sits 7th overall, just behind Staveley CofE School and ahead of the vast majority of its 121 primary peers. Only six schools in the LA hold an Outstanding Ofsted rating, so a Good rating with this level of attainment puts Bolton in a strong position locally.

The school offers a broad set of facilities for its size, including a gymnasium, sports hall, playing fields, a forest school, art studios, a library, and a chapel. Sports provision covers dance, netball, tennis and athletics, and clubs include coding, art and eco club. SEND support is available for specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and physical disabilities. With just 11.9% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a relatively affluent intake. There is no nursery provision and no sixth form, as it is a primary school. For families who value strong academic outcomes in a small, community-focused setting, Bolton Primary School is a clear contender, though the high oversubscription ratio means early application is essential.

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