Banks Methodist School, Southport

Ofsted's report card from its 6 January 2026 inspection grades Banks Methodist School on 7 areas: 7 needs attention. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Achievement - Needs attention. "Some pupils do not achieve well in reading, writing and mathematics."

Attendance and behaviour - Needs attention. "Pupils' overall attendance is below national averages."

Curriculum and teaching - Needs attention. "Teaching does not help some pupils build learning securely over time."

Early years - Needs attention. "While routines help children settle well, the early years provision and curriculum do not consistently help children build knowledge and skills from Nursery to Reception."

Inclusion - Needs attention. "Leaders' efforts to promote a secure culture of inclusion are not consistently effective."

Leadership and governance - Needs attention. "Leaders are committed and reflective."

Personal development and wellbeing - Needs attention. "Leaders have appropriate ambitions to support pupils' personal development and wellbeing."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "• Leaders should ensure that teaching in reading, writing and mathematics is high quality, helps all pupils to remember important knowledge and skills effectively and supports them to achieve well. • Leaders should support staff to implement effective strategies to promote an inclusive culture so that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils can access the curriculum effectively. • Leaders should strengthen attendance procedures to ensure that pupils, particularly disadvantaged pupils, attend school regularly. • Leaders should ensure that the curriculum and wider enrichment opportunities support pupils' personal development and wellbeing effectively so that pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain. • Governors should improve their strategic oversight of the school to ensure that leaders' actions to improve the school, including professional development of staff, are precisely measured, timely and lead to necessary improvements".

From the headteacher's welcome: "We are a busy but friendly school, with lots going on. Please feel free to contact the school direct with any queries you may have. 'Be bold and be strong, for the Lord our God is with us' Joshua 1:9"

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:45am and after-school care.

In 2025, 43% of Year 6 pupils at Banks Methodist School reached the expected standard in reading and 43% 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 (50% in reading, 40% in maths).

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

For September 2026 entry, 0 families put Banks Methodist School as their first choice and 12 named it as one of their preferences, for 1 place 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 Banks Methodist School are Banks St Stephen's CofE School (0.5 miles, Good, 66% reading, 72% maths); St John's Church of England Primary School (1.4 miles, Good, 65% reading, 73% maths); Tarleton Mere Brow Church of England Primary School (1.8 miles, Good, 83% reading, 83% maths); and Larkfield Primary School (2.2 miles, Good, 66% reading, 68% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Banks Methodist School.

17 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Banks Methodist School (as of April 2026): 94% would recommend the school, 100% say their child is happy there and 100% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (100%); the weakest, that they are kept well informed about progress (77%).

48.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 1.9% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 18 pupils (34.6%) received SEN support and 2 (3.8%) 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 social, emotional and mental health needs.

Banks Methodist School had 6 teachers in 2026, one for every 9 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Meols Cop Rail Station, about 3.5 miles away in a straight line.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Methodist School (outside), 30 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 13 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 Lancashire (109).

Banks Methodist School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.