St Chad's Catholic Primary School, Chorley

Ofsted's report card from its 7 July 2026 inspection grades St Chad's Catholic Primary School on 7 areas: 1 strong standard and 6 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 commitment to secure high rates of attendance for all pupils."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils broadly achieve well."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have designed an engaging curriculum that, in the main, sets out what pupils should learn at each stage of their education."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders make carefully considered decisions about the design and delivery of the curriculum for Reception-age children."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders maintain a clear understanding of pupils' needs."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders and governors have a shared, ambitious vision for the school."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders have designed a comprehensive personal development programme that is carefully informed by the needs of the pupils."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that, across all subjects, the curriculum precisely identifies what pupils should learn and in what order so that pupils gain a deeper and more detailed knowledge across the curriculum"; "Leaders should strengthen staff's expertise in using assessment strategies effectively within lessons to shape their teaching so that misconceptions are swiftly addressed and opportunities are identified to extend and deepen pupils' knowledge".

From the headteacher's welcome: "St Chad's is a happy, caring and successful Catholic school, rooted in Gospel values where children enjoy the opportunities offered to them. We know this because the children and parents tell us!"

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, netball, athletics, gymnastics, swimming, cross-country and choir.

In 2025, 76% of Year 6 pupils at St Chad's Catholic Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 71% 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 95% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 15 families put St Chad's Catholic Primary School as their first choice and 44 named it as one of their preferences, for 17 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 St Chad's Catholic Primary School are Whittle-le-Woods Church of England Primary School (1.2 miles, Good, 91% reading, 84% maths); St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Chorley (1.5 miles, Good, 94% reading, 87% maths); St Peter's CofE Primary School Chorley (1.5 miles, Good, 73% reading, 80% maths); and Brinscall St John's CofE and Methodist Primary School (1.6 miles, Good, 89% reading, 82% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than St Chad's Catholic Primary School.

2.2% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 0.7% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 28 pupils (20.1%) received SEN support and 4 (2.9%) 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 social, emotional and mental health needs.

The nearest railway station is Buckshaw Parkway Rail Station, about 2.1 miles away in a straight line.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Town Lane (by), 180 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood St Chad's Catholic Primary School stands in is among the 10% least deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 25 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).

St Chad's Catholic Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.