Roughlee Church of England Primary School

About Roughlee Church of England Primary School

Roughlee Church of England Primary School is a small state primary in Pendle, Lancashire, with just 51 pupils on roll against a capacity of 52 — so it’s running almost full. The school serves a notably high-needs community: 37.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the national average of around 23%. That context makes the school’s popularity all the more striking. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 17 applications for just 9 places, with 8 of those coming as first preferences. That’s an oversubscription ratio of 1.89, meaning nearly two families compete for every spot. The school is Church of England, with headteacher Mark Elliott at the helm, and it caters for mixed-gender pupils from ages 4 to 11. With no nursery or sixth form provision, it’s a straightforward primary focused on its core age range.

Academically, Roughlee performs strongly, especially given its intake. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 67% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined — above the Lancashire local authority average of 60%. Reading is a particular strength: every single pupil (100%) hit the expected standard, and 83% achieved the higher standard. In maths, 83% reached the expected level and 50% hit the higher mark, with an average score of 107. Writing saw 83% at expected and 50% at higher. The school ranks 12th out of 33 primary schools in Pendle on the KS2 reading, writing and maths expected measure, placing it in the top 40% nationally. Ofsted last inspected in 2022 and confirmed the school remains Good, a rating it has held consistently since at least 2013. The previous graded inspection in 2013 also rated overall effectiveness as Good, with leadership and management also Good.

The school packs a surprising amount into its small footprint. Facilities include playing fields, a sports hall, music rooms, a sensory room and a chapel. Sports on offer range from cricket and football to gymnastics, swimming and dance, while clubs include drama, science, chess, eco club, art club and film club. For pupils with additional needs, the school provides support for moderate learning difficulties. The nearest outstanding-rated primary is Barrowford St Thomas Church of England Primary School, 1.5 km away, but Roughlee’s strong results and high demand suggest it holds its own. This is a school that suits families looking for a tight-knit, community-focused primary with solid academic outcomes and a broad enrichment offer, set in a rural Lancashire village. The oversubscription means early application is essential.

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