St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Chipping, Preston

Ofsted's report card from its 9 June 2026 inspection grades St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Chipping on 7 areas: 3 expected standard and 4 needs attention. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Leaders review the school's information, policies and practice linked to attendance and behaviour carefully."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "At the heart of the school's approach, leaders ask themselves and staff what each family needs and how they can help each pupil to feel that they belong."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "The school's leadership is rooted in a deep knowledge of high-quality primary education, special educational needs and/or disabilities, safeguarding and up-to-date educational research."

Achievement - Needs attention. "Some pupils do not develop the spelling, punctuation, grammar or handwriting skills that they need for the next stage of their education."

Curriculum and teaching - Needs attention. "The school's curriculum and teaching are generally successful."

Early years - Needs attention. "Over time, children in the pre-school and Reception Year, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), mostly achieve well."

Personal development and wellbeing - Needs attention. "Pupils treat fellow pupils and the wider community with respect."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that staff select and use tasks that develop pupils' thinking and participation in lessons effectively"; "Leaders should make sure that pupils, including children in the early years, develop their knowledge of the basics of handwriting, spelling, punctuation and grammar, so they can communicate their ideas and understanding accurately"; "Leaders should build pupils' knowledge of fundamental British values so they fully understand how these connect to the broader values of their day-to-day lives at the school".

In its own words: "At St Mary's, we are a small school rooted in love, where every child is known, valued and cherished. We create a safe and nurturing environment where every child feels listened to, respected and able to thrive. Through high-quality teaching and meaningful learning experiences, we inspire a love of learning that stays with our pupils for life."

From the headteacher's welcome: "It is my great privilege to welcome you to St Mary's-a small, growing and family-centred school situated in the beautiful Ribble Valley village of Chipping. We are proud to serve families from Chipping, Longridge and the surrounding communities. At St Mary's, every child is known, valued and cherished."

For September 2026 entry, 7 families put St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Chipping as their first choice and 27 named it as one of their preferences, for 7 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's Roman Catholic Primary School, Chipping are Brabins Endowed School (0.1 miles, Outstanding, 100% reading, 100% maths); Barnacre Road Primary School (3.6 miles, 59% reading, 68% maths); Longridge St Wilfrid's Roman Catholic Primary School (3.7 miles, Good, 67% reading, 77% maths); and Longridge Church of England Primary School (3.8 miles, Good, 93% reading, 83% maths).

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 (95%) and Mixed (5%).

St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Chipping had 5 teachers in 2026, one for every 10 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 St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Chipping.

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is St Marys RCPS (by), 150 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 2 crimes within a mile of the school, most often other theft and violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Lancashire (109).

St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Chipping recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.