St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School, Preston

In its own words: "Welcome to St Mary Magdalen’s Catholic Primary School! We are a one-form entry primary school who have been serving our local community for over 100 years. That said, we are forward-thinking and extremely proud that we are totally committed to ensuring that each child achieves their best here whether socially or academically."

From the headteacher's welcome: "We are a one-form entry primary school who have been serving our local community for over 100 years. That said, we are forward-thinking and extremely proud that we are totally committed to ensuring that each child achieves their best here whether socially or academically."

In 2025, 81% of Year 6 pupils at St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 74% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 74% in Lancashire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (77% in reading, 80% in maths).

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

For September 2026 entry, 16 families put St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School as their first choice and 51 named it as one of their preferences, for 16 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 St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School are Penwortham Middleforth Church of England Primary School (0.3 miles, Good, 94% reading, 68% maths); St Stephen's CofE School (0.6 miles, Good, 75% reading, 73% maths); Kingsfold Primary School (0.6 miles, Good, 50% reading, 60% maths); and Cop Lane Church of England Primary School, Penwortham (0.8 miles, Good, 79% reading, 76% maths).

St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 2 of these 4 schools.

25 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School (as of April 2026): 80% would recommend the school, 88% say their child is happy there and 40% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (88%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (40%).

12.6% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 18 pupils (10.3%) received SEN support and 4 (2.3%) 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 Preston Rail Station, about 0.8 miles away in a straight line.

9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Middleforth Garage (opposite), 70 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 239 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Lancashire (109), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School issued 8 suspensions, 4.2 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School are Penwortham Girls' High School (0.8 miles), Christ The King Catholic High School (1 mile), All Hallows Catholic High School (1.3 miles) and Penwortham Priory Academy (1.4 miles).