Westhead Lathom St James' Church of England Primary School

About Westhead Lathom St James' Church of England Primary School

Westhead Lathom St James' Church of England Primary School received an Outstanding rating across every category in its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2025, including quality of education, personal development, behaviour and attitudes, and early years provision. This marks a continuation of the school's strong performance, as it also held an Outstanding overall effectiveness rating in its previous inspection. The most telling exam metric for this small primary school is its Key Stage 2 reading average score of 109, which is notably above the national average of 100. While 63% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, the school's reading results stand out: 88% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, and 56% achieved the higher standard. In writing, 88% met expectations and 25% reached the higher standard. Maths was slightly lower, with 69% at the expected level and just 6% at the higher standard, though the average maths score of 104 still sits above the national benchmark.

The school's overall Key Stage 2 performance places it in the bottom half of schools nationally, ranking 6,879th out of 13,686 primary schools, and 207th out of 480 schools in Lancashire. Its ranking score of 63, based on the proportion of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, sits just above the Lancashire local authority average of 60. In the West Lancashire district specifically, the school ranks 27th out of 48 primary schools. Parent feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with 89% of respondents saying they would recommend the school. 96% of parents strongly agreed or agreed that their child is happy at the school, and all parents felt their child is safe. 70% strongly agreed that their child does well at the school, and 67% strongly agreed there is a good range of subjects and clubs available.

The school is a Church of England primary for mixed genders aged 3 to 11, with a nursery provision and a current roll of 98 pupils against a capacity of 105. It was oversubscribed for the 2025/26 academic year, receiving 34 applications for 15 places, with all 15 first-preference applicants offered a spot. Facilities include a gymnasium, sports hall, library, ICT suite, sensory room, forest school, chapel, and playing fields. Sports offered include cricket, athletics, cross country and gymnastics, while clubs include science, art and film clubs. The school has SEND provisions for moderate learning difficulty, hearing impairment, autistic spectrum disorder and other difficulties or disabilities. With its strong reading outcomes, Outstanding Ofsted record, and high parental satisfaction, this school will particularly suit families who value academic rigour in reading and a supportive, well-behaved environment within a Church of England ethos.

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