Lower Darwen Primary School
93%
Capacity
389
Pupils
2.3x
Demand
About Lower Darwen Primary School
Lower Darwen Primary School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Blackburn with Darwen community, welcoming children from age 4 to 11. The school has 389 pupils on roll and is well-filled (93% of 420 places).
Ofsted has rated Lower Darwen Primary School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Simone Addy, it falls under Blackburn with Darwen local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 35% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — below the national average. Additionally, ranked 12988th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 47th out of 52 in Blackburn with Darwen.
Lower Darwen Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 113 applications for 50 places, making it 2.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 41 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Lower Darwen Primary School include Library, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Football, Cricket, Gymnastics and 3 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Film Club, Gardening, Book Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 16.2%, which is below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Blackburn with Darwen, Lower Darwen 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 | Milking Lane, Darwen, Blackburn with Darwen, BB3 0RB |
| Headteacher | Simone Addy |
| Local Authority | Blackburn with Darwen |
| Number of Pupils | 389 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 16.2% |
| School Capacity | 389 / 420 (93% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Mar 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 18 May 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (35%)
12988th of 13,686
Nationally
1941st of 2,065
In North West
47th of 52
In Blackburn with Darwen
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
35%
Expected Standard
2%
Higher Standard
'22/23
31%
'23/24
35%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
5Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed50
113
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
41 families put this school as their 1st choice (36% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lower Darwen 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
Milking Lane, Darwen
Blackburn with Darwen, BB3 0RB
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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