Schools across Blackburn with Darwen
Local authority · 90 schools across 10 towns
90
57 primary · 12 secondary
29,935
90% capacity used
19
4 outstanding · 15 good
33,365
3,430 spare places
Ofsted Ratings
Area Performance (2025)
KS2 Reading
73.1%
KS2 Maths
74.5%
School Capacity
Primary Schools
1,725 spare places
Secondary Schools
945 spare places
Pupil Absence
Avg Overall Absence
6.5%
2024/25
Avg Persistent Absence
17.8%
2024/25
Schools Reporting
71
2024/25
Absence trend across Blackburn with Darwen schools
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Average across all open schools in this LA.
EHCP Timeliness
Issued Within 20 Weeks
87%
Plans Issued
260
Assessment Requests
349
Tribunal Cases
5
EHCP timeliness trend (% issued within 20 weeks)
Source: DfE EHCP timeliness statistics. Shows how quickly this LA issues Education, Health and Care Plans.
Admission Appeals
2025 admission appeals by school phase
Primary
117
Lodged
(4.6%)
96
Heard
9
Successful
(9%)
Primary (infant classes)
59
Lodged
(2.9%)
50
Heard
0
Successful
(0%)
Secondary
279
Lodged
(11.0%)
243
Heard
23
Successful
(10%)
Total
396
Lodged
(7.8%)
339
Heard
32
Successful
(9%)
Total appeals lodged per year
Source: DfE admission appeals statistics. Shows how competitive school places are in this area.