Ashton Primary School, Preston

Ofsted's report card from its 21 April 2026 inspection grades Ashton Primary School on 7 areas: 4 expected standard and 3 needs attention. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Leaders have a clear understanding of the reasons behind pupils' absences."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders have established an ambitious curriculum in the early years that is starting to make a difference to children's achievement."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders have suitable processes for identifying and supporting pupils with barriers to their learning and wellbeing."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "The programme to promote pupils' personal development is effective."

Achievement - Needs attention. "In some subjects and year groups, pupils make variable progress through the curriculum."

Curriculum and teaching - Needs attention. "At present, the curriculum is not shaped well enough to enable pupils to gain a secure grasp of key knowledge."

Leadership and governance - Needs attention. "The governing body has experienced some turbulence in its membership in recent times."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should continue to design and implement their new curriculum to ensure that pupils gain the key knowledge that they need in order to achieve well across the curriculum"; "Leaders should ensure that teachers check more consistently on what key knowledge pupils remember. They should ensure that gaps in learning are addressed so that pupils build secure knowledge over time and are ready for the next steps in their education"; "Governors should ensure that they tighten their systems for quality assuring the work of the school and, in particular, the impact this has on pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those known to social care".

In its own words: "Through a creative curriculum that sparks wonder and builds lasting memories, we provide rich opportunities and experiences that strengthen knowledge and skills. We aim to inspire every Ashton child to be kind, resilient, and to achieve their personal best, preparing them to shape their future and contribute positively to the world around them."

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:30am and after-school care, from £4.50 per session.

In 2025, 62% of Year 6 pupils at Ashton Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 62% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 74% in Lancashire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (61% in reading, 68% in maths).

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

For September 2026 entry, 19 families put Ashton Primary School as their first choice and 68 named it as one of their preferences, for 29 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 Ashton Primary School are Lea Community Primary School (0.4 miles, Good, 74% reading, 74% maths); St Bernard's Catholic Primary School, Preston (0.6 miles, 68% reading, 87% maths); Ingol Community Primary School (0.8 miles, Good, 80% reading, 80% maths); and Cottam Primary School (0.8 miles, Good, 67% reading, 73% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Ashton Primary School.

36.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 36 pupils (18.6%) received SEN support and 14 (7.2%) 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 Preston Rail Station, about 2.2 miles away in a straight line.

16 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Arnside Road (by), 60 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 167 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Lancashire (109), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Ashton Primary School issued 1 suspension, 0.5 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.