Barrowford School, Nelson
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Location
Estimated admission likelihood based on school density and oversubscription data
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Overall
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
Barrowford School excels at creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where every child - including those with complex needs and difficult backgrounds - feels valued and safe. The specialist SEN unit is particularly strong, with carefully structured pathways that help pupils progress. Staff care deeply about pupils' wellbeing and provide excellent emotional support through trained therapists and quiet spaces.
Key Strengths
- Strong safeguarding culture where pupils feel safe and know trusted adults will listen to their concerns
- Excellent inclusive approach - the school welcomes all pupils, including those with complex needs and difficult experiences, and provides tailored support
- Specialist SEN unit with a carefully structured pathway that helps some pupils progress back into mainstream classes
- Personal development programme that promotes respect, dignity and the rights of the child, with pupils taking on meaningful responsibilities
- Staff build positive relationships and support pupils' emotional wellbeing through therapeutic sessions and calm spaces
Areas for Improvement
- Pupils' achievement in key stage 2 is below national average, particularly in reading, writing and mathematics, leaving them less prepared for secondary school
- Year 1 phonics screening check results have been significantly below national average for 3 consecutive years
- Pupils' attendance rates are below national averages for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, causing them to miss important learning
- Teachers do not consistently adapt teaching to meet the needs of all pupils or address gaps in their learning
- Early years curriculum does not clearly set out what children need to learn, resulting in too many children not being ready for Year 1
Safeguarding
Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have established an open culture of safeguarding where concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed, resulting in pupils feeling safe.
Extracurricular Activities
School choir performs at national events, residentials, cultural visits (Hallé orchestra, Eden Project), sport clubs, art clubs, homework support clubs
Barrowford School is an inclusive primary school that welcomes pupils with complex needs and creates a safe, caring environment where children feel they belong. However, the school is not yet achieving the academic standards expected, with below-average results in key stage 2 and significant gaps in pupils' knowledge and skills.
At a Glance
44.2%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
SEN Provision
No
Special Measures
Primary Performance (KS2)
Academic year 2025/26KS2 Results (% meeting expected standard)
Reading has remained stable at around 72%. Maths has remained stable at around 60%. Writing has remained stable at around 50%.
Class Sizes
23.4
Avg class size
30.0
Infant (KS1)
26.9
KS2
14
Total classes
3 classes with more than 30 pupils
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Bus Stops
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
74%
Available places
312 pupils
420 capacity
108 spare places available
Area Demand Pressure - Nelson
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Nelson
Admissions Demand - Lancashire
Places available
15,664
Applications
12,136
Got 1st preference
93.0%
Got preferred school
98.8%
Primary admissions across Lancashire (2025/26)
Inspection History(109)
House Prices
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SEN Provision
How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.
Pupil Demographics
The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.
Teachers & Staff
Teacher qualification rates, pupil-to-teacher ratio, staff turnover, and salary data. Shows how well-resourced and stable the school's workforce is.
School Funding
Annual funding per pupil, total budget, pupil premium grants, and how the school's resources compare to similar schools nationally.
Pupil Absence2024/25
11.26687%
Overall absence
40.8805%
Persistent absence
318
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
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Secondary Schools Nearby
Secondary schools pupils are likely to move to
Barrowford School
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