Ashleigh Primary School, Darwen

In its own words: "In June 2014, David Cameron emphasised the important role that British values can play in education. Further, how well a school promotes such values is an aspect of Ofsted's inspection process . Although in 2016 this is something which is developing in its significance for schools, it is not something new at Ashleigh Primary."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Ashleigh Primary School is a Foundation school which caters for children from Reception to Year Six. We have been serving the Darwen area for a hundred years. We are very proud of our school with its vibrant and stimulating learning environment."

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:15am.

In 2025, 66% of Year 6 pupils at Ashleigh Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 86% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 76% in Blackburn with Darwen and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 79% in reading and 88% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 32 families put Ashleigh Primary School as their first choice and 88 named it as one of their preferences, for 34 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Ashleigh Primary School are Darwen, St Barnabas CofE Primary Academy (0.4 miles, Good, 74% reading, 81% maths); St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School, Darwen (0.6 miles, Good, 87% reading, 83% maths); Darwen St Peter's Church of England Primary School (0.7 miles, Good, 50% reading, 62% maths); and Holy Trinity VC School (0.9 miles, Good, 76% reading, 67% maths).

Ashleigh Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 2 of these 4 schools.

14.5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 1.4% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (92%) and Mixed (5%).

In 2026, 23 pupils (10.5%) received SEN support and 3 (1.4%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

The nearest railway station is Darwen Rail Station, about 1.1 miles away in a straight line.

7 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Park Road (by), 220 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 76 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Blackburn with Darwen (289).

Ashleigh Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to Ashleigh Primary School are Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (0.9 miles) and Aldridge UTC Darwen (1.1 miles).