Water Primary School, Rossendale

In its own words: "At Water Primary School, children are at the centre of everything we do. We aim to give our children the best possible opportunities and learning experiences, enabling them to reach their full potential."

From the headteacher's welcome: "A nurturing and vibrant community where we pride ourselves on being a happy school with a family atmosphere. Our commitment is to provide every pupil with the finest possible start to their educational journey, enabling them to achieve their true potential. At the heart of our ethos are the principles of Happiness, Health, and Opportunity."

In 2025, 71% of Year 6 pupils at Water Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 64% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 74% in Lancashire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 95% in reading and 86% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 10 families put Water Primary School as their first choice and 26 named it as one of their preferences, for 11 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 Water Primary School are St Anne's Church of England Primary School (1.6 miles, Good, 89% reading, 86% maths); Crawshawbooth Primary School (1.8 miles, Good, 76% reading, 84% maths); Northern Primary School (1.9 miles, Good, 65% reading, 65% maths); and St Peter's Roman Catholic Primary School, Newchurch (1.9 miles, Outstanding, 79% reading, 84% maths).

Water Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 4 schools.

1.7% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 22 pupils (19%) received SEN support and 9 (7.8%) 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 tram or metro stop is Rawtenstall (East Lancashire Railway), about 2.7 miles away in a straight line.

8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Lower House Green (opposite), 40 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 5 crimes within a mile of the school, most often anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Lancashire (109).

In 2024/25, Water Primary School issued 2 suspensions, 1.7 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.