Hoddlesden St Paul's Church of England Primary School

About Hoddlesden St Paul's Church of England Primary School

Hoddlesden St Paul's Church of England Primary School is a state primary in the Blackburn with Darwen local authority, and it stands out as one of only four schools in the area rated Outstanding by Ofsted. In the most recent local rankings based on Key Stage 2 results, it placed 16th out of 56 same-type schools, putting it comfortably in the top third of its peers. The top-performing schools nearby include The Olive School, Blackburn, Blackburn the Redeemer CofE Primary, and St Gabriel's Church of England Primary School, all of which score higher on the same metric. But Hoddlesden St Paul's holds its own with a strong reputation, and its Church of England character gives it a distinct identity within the local landscape. With 231 pupils on roll against a capacity of 210, the school is clearly popular, and its oversubscribed status for the 2025/26 intake confirms that demand outstrips supply.

Academically, the school performs well above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 71% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Blackburn with Darwen average of just 59%. The school also excels at stretching its pupils: 18% achieved the higher standard in all three subjects, and in reading specifically, 36% reached the higher threshold. Maths scores are particularly strong, with 96% of pupils meeting the expected standard and an average scaled score of 106. Reading averaged 107, and writing saw 82% at the expected level. Ofsted’s December 2024 inspection gave the school top marks across the board, with Outstanding ratings for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, early years provision, and leadership and management. This is a school that has maintained its Outstanding rating since at least 2013, when it was last fully inspected.

Parents are overwhelmingly positive. In the most recent Parent View survey, 98% would recommend the school, and 89% strongly agreed that their child is happy here. The school offers a broad range of facilities including a sports hall, music rooms, a chapel, and playing fields, and runs clubs in drama, coding, film, art and science. Sports provision covers netball, gymnastics, athletics, swimming, dance, cricket and cross country. For children with additional needs, the school lists support for seven categories including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language needs, and social and emotional mental health. With nursery provision on site, it serves families from age three through to eleven. Given its strong results, Outstanding Ofsted rating, and high parental satisfaction, this is a school that suits families who want a well-regarded, community-focused primary with a Church of England ethos and a track record of academic success.

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