Forton Primary School, Preston

Ofsted's report card from its 7 July 2026 inspection grades Forton Primary School on 7 areas: 2 strong standard and 5 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Leaders are unwavering in their focus on prioritising pupils' attendance."

Early years - Strong standard. "The early years provision is highly effective."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Across the curriculum, most pupils gain the knowledge and skills they need at each stage of their education."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have put in place a clear curriculum that defines and sequences the key knowledge that pupils should learn in all subjects."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders have established a culture where barriers to learning and wellbeing are identified quickly and accurately."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders and those responsible for governance have an accurate view of the school's strengths and areas for development."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Pupils' personal development is a core aspect of the school."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that staff are provided with detailed information to help vulnerable pupils make the progress of which they are capable"; "Leaders should ensure that teachers use the assessment information that they gather to adapt their explanations and activities to help pupils build detailed knowledge across the curriculum"; "Leaders should ensure that teachers routinely identify and correct errors in some pupils' spelling so that they can write accurately".

From the headteacher's welcome: "We are a busy and friendly school, with lots always going on. As well as providing up to date information for parents, pupils and the wider community. We are very proud of our children and the rich learning opportunities that we offer them, enabling each child to ' shine ' in their own unique way."

In 2025, 75% of Year 6 pupils at Forton Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 88% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 74% in Lancashire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 85% in reading and 92% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 12 families put Forton Primary School as their first choice and 37 named it as one of their preferences, for 12 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Forton Primary School are Cockerham Parochial CofE Primary School (1.4 miles, Good, 62% reading, 54% maths); Scorton Church of England Primary School (1.8 miles, Good, 83% reading, 75% maths); Winmarleigh Church of England Primary School (2.1 miles, Good); and Dolphinholme Church of England Primary School (2.4 miles, Good, 92% reading, 92% maths).

Forton Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 2 of these 3 schools.

14.4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 0% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 11 pupils (10.6%) received SEN support and 2 (1.9%) 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.

Forton Primary School had 7 teachers in 2026, one for every 11 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Forton Primary School.

In August 2026, police recorded 17 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and drug offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Lancashire (109).

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