Samlesbury Church of England School, Preston

Ofsted's report card from its 19 May 2026 inspection grades Samlesbury Church of England School on 7 areas: 3 strong standard and 4 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. "Samlesbury's learning experience is hard to resist."

Inclusion - Strong standard. "Leaders place inclusion at the heart of the school's work."

Personal development and wellbeing - Strong standard. "Leaders have designed a rich and well-thought-out programme that helps pupils grow into confident, thoughtful and responsible young people."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Leaders ensure that pupils achieve well across subjects."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have an accurate understanding of the curriculum and how it is taught."

Early years - Expected standard. "Although it is not yet fully embedded, the recently updated early years curriculum is well designed and ambitious."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders are ambitious for the school."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should continue to evaluate the curriculum carefully, using analysis of the school's evolving context to inform necessary changes that shape and deepen pupils' learning"; "Leaders should ensure that the recently updated early years curriculum, including the teaching of phonics, is taught consistently well across all classes".

From the headteacher's welcome: "Our school has a caring, family atmosphere where everyone is known and valued for all that they are. We show love and respect to each other and care for one another very much and because we are a faith-based school, we see God as our Father."

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care until 5:30pm.

In 2025, 73% of Year 6 pupils at Samlesbury Church of England School reached the expected standard in reading and 82% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 74% in Lancashire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 91% in reading and 91% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 9 families put Samlesbury Church of England School as their first choice and 17 named it as one of their preferences, for 10 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 Samlesbury Church of England School are Brockholes Wood Community Primary School and Nursery (1.1 miles, Good, 65% reading, 71% maths); Moor Nook Community Primary School (1.5 miles, Good, 45% reading, 32% maths); The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School, Preston (1.5 miles, 50% reading, 52% maths); and Preston Grange Primary School (1.5 miles, Good, 59% reading, 59% maths).

Samlesbury Church of England School's 2025 results were higher than all 4 of them.

13.2% 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.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (87%) and Asian (9%).

In 2026, 4 pupils (5.9%) received SEN support and 0 (0%) 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 autism.

Samlesbury Church of England School had 5 teachers in 2026, one for every 13 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Bamber Bridge Rail Station, about 3.2 miles away in a straight line.

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

In August 2026, police recorded 3 crimes within a mile of the school, most often other theft and burglary. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Lancashire (109).

Samlesbury Church of England School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.