Horwich Parish CofE Primary School, Bolton

Ofsted's report card from its 31 March 2026 inspection grades Horwich Parish CofE Primary School on 7 areas: 7 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Achievement - Expected standard. "Leaders prioritise improving pupils' achievement in reading, writing and mathematics."

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Leaders focus on improving attendance."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have a secure understanding of the quality of the curriculum and teaching."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders' focus on high-quality spoken language has a positive impact on children's learning."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders act quickly to spot pupils who need extra help."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders know the school well."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Through the school's personal development offer, pupils grow into thoughtful and caring individuals."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should continue their actions to improve attendance for pupils who are disadvantaged and those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring that staff support pupils who return after absence to address gaps in learning"; "Leaders should ensure that staff receive the guidance that they need to make effective adaptations for pupils with SEND in subjects beyond English and mathematics"; "Leaders should use detailed analysis of school performance to evaluate the effectiveness of their provision and act on priorities to ensure that disadvantaged pupils benefit from all that the school offers to achieve and thrive".

From the headteacher's welcome: "At Horwich Parish we want children to feel safe, happy and motivated to learn. We have high expectations of all pupils in terms of their behaviour and work. Our exciting and vibrant curriculum stimulates life-long learning, enabling children to grow into proud and resilient young people."

In 2025, 80% of Year 6 pupils at Horwich Parish CofE Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 88% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 78% in Bolton and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 75% in reading and 75% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 26 families put Horwich Parish CofE Primary School as their first choice and 70 named it as one of their preferences, for 36 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 Horwich Parish CofE Primary School are Beacon Primary School (0.4 miles, Good, 68% reading, 52% maths); St Mary's RC Primary School (0.6 miles, Good, 75% reading, 69% maths); Chorley New Road Primary Academy (0.7 miles, 78% reading, 73% maths); and St Catherine's CofE Primary School (0.7 miles, Good, 69% reading, 69% maths).

Horwich Parish CofE Primary School's 2025 results were higher than all 4 of them.

79 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Horwich Parish CofE Primary School (as of April 2026): 86% would recommend the school, 90% say their child is happy there and 64% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child is happy at the school (90%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (64%).

8.3% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (84%) and Black (5%).

In 2026, 36 pupils (12%) received SEN support and 5 (1.7%) 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 Blackrod Rail Station, about 1.3 miles away in a straight line.

9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Bank Top Brewery Ale House (outside), 70 metres away.

In 2024/25, Horwich Parish CofE Primary School issued 17 suspensions, 5.4 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 1 permanent exclusion.

The secondary schools closest to Horwich Parish CofE Primary School are Rivington and Blackrod High School (0.9 miles) and St Joseph's RC High School (1 mile).