Oswaldtwistle Hippings Methodist Voluntary Controlled Primary School

About Oswaldtwistle Hippings Methodist Voluntary Controlled Primary School

Oswaldtwistle Hippings Methodist Voluntary Controlled Primary School is a state primary for mixed-gender pupils aged 5 to 11, and it operates very close to full capacity. With 206 pupils on roll against a school capacity of 210, there is almost no slack in its intake. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 21.4%, which is notably higher than the national average for primary schools in England, typically around 23-24%, placing it in a context of above-average economic disadvantage for its local area. Demand for places is strong: for the 2025/26 academic year, the school received 97 applications for just 30 total places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 3.23. Of those applicants, 29 listed it as their first preference, and 28 first-preference offers were made, indicating that almost every family who wanted a place as their top choice got one, but competition from other preferences remains high.

Academically, the school holds a Good rating from Ofsted, confirmed in its most recent ungraded inspection in February 2023, which noted the school remains Good. This is an improvement from its previous graded inspection in 2012, when it was rated Requires Improvement. At Key Stage 2 in the 2023/24 academic year, 57% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is slightly below the Lancashire local authority average of 60%. However, the school performs well in maths specifically, with an average scaled score of 107 and 79% of pupils reaching the expected standard. In reading, the average score was 106, with 75% at the expected level. At the higher standard, 14% of pupils achieved the higher benchmark across all three subjects, and maths again stood out with 46% reaching the higher threshold. Nationally, the school ranks in the 65th percentile for its combined expected standard metric, placing it in the bottom half of schools nationally but around the middle of the pack within Hyndburn, where it sits 14th out of 31 primaries.

The school offers a solid range of facilities, including a sensory room, music rooms, a gymnasium, sports hall, playing fields, and a chapel, reflecting its Methodist voluntary controlled status. Sports provision covers athletics, cricket, gymnastics, football, swimming, and cross country, while clubs include art, gardening, book club, drama, and eco club. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists SEND provisions for moderate learning difficulty, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication difficulties, hearing and visual impairments, autistic spectrum disorder, and other difficulties. With oversubscription at 3.23 applicants per place, it is a popular choice locally, particularly for families who value a Methodist character and a broad extracurricular offer. It is not a boarding school, has no nursery provision, and does not have a sixth form, so it suits families looking for a standard primary route through to Year 6.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Oswaldtwistle Hippings Methodist Voluntary Controlled Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents