Classpot

The Ferns Primary Academy

Bolton, BL4 0DAPrimaryAges 3–11MixedState
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted inspected
No single grade since Sep 2024
Jan 2026
KS2 Results
76%
meeting expected standard in RWM
First choices / offers
0.8×
First choices did not exceed offers made
39 1st-choice / 46 offers made
Ranking
🏆Top 5%
#586 of 13,686 nationally

About The Ferns Primary Academy

The Ferns Primary Academy is a state-funded primary school in Bolton, North West, for pupils aged 3 to 11 for boys and girls. DfE data records 445 pupils on roll and a published capacity of 420.

The latest recorded Ofsted inspection was on 6 Jan 2026 has no single overall grade. 76% met the expected KS2 standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25. admissions data records 39 first-preference applications and 46 offers made on national offer day for 2026/27.

Figures can refer to different reporting periods. Check the date and source shown beside each section. How Classpot uses published data.

Key Details

School TypePrimary (State)
Age Range3 to 11 years
GenderMixed
AddressPlodder Lane, Farnworth, Bolton, Bolton, BL4 0DA
HeadteacherMrs Sarah Hambley
Local AuthorityBolton
Number of Pupils445
Free School Meals (FSM)30.6%
School Capacity445 / 420 (106% full)
Nursery ClassesYes

The full report on this school

What 36 parents told Ofsted, the inspection in plain English, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Report Card

6 Jan 2026
View report

No single overall grade

Ofsted report cards assess separate areas on a five-level scale. These results should not be converted into an overall score.

Safeguarding standardsMet
InclusionExpected standard
Curriculum & teachingStrong standard
AchievementStrong standard
Attendance & behaviourExpected standard
Personal development & wellbeingStrong standard
Leadership & governanceStrong standard
Early years provisionStrong standard

Source: Ofsted official management information, 15 Mar 2026. Report-card levels are not directly comparable with legacy Ofsted grades.

Published SEND Data

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguagePhysicalLearning DifficultySevere LearningMulti-Sensory

Source: Department for Education. Confirm current provision with the school's SENCO.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Ferns Primary Academy

Yes, The Ferns Primary Academy has been inspected by Ofsted. State-funded school inspections stopped receiving a single overall effectiveness grade from September 2024. From November 2025, renewed inspections use report cards with separate five-point grades for each evaluation area.