Prestolee Primary School

Results are strong. In 2024-25, 77% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at KS2, against 60% in England. The figure was 80% in 2022-23 and 77% in 2023-24. At the higher standard, 13% of pupils reached it, against 8% nationally. Absence data is not published here.

What Ofsted found

Ofsted inspected the school on 11 and 12 June 2024 and judged it Outstanding overall and in every area, including early years. This was a graded inspection carried out before Ofsted stopped giving overall grades. It was the school's first full inspection as an academy; its predecessor school was also judged outstanding.

Inspectors describe "exceptionally high expectations" and a curriculum that sets out what pupils learn, and when, from nursery to Year 6. Phonics begins in Reception and most pupils become fluent readers. Behaviour is described as extremely good. For pupils with SEND, inspectors found that adapting teaching is "a real strength of this school". The report also notes clubs such as netball, sign language and debating, and a breakfast and after-school club. It does not list specific areas to improve.

The school's website says it has specialist teachers for PE and music and offers roles such as digital leaders and peer mediators. These are the school's own claims.

How it compares nearby

Prestolee's 77% sits above most of its neighbours: St Saviour CofE Primary School, Ringley (0.7 mi, Good) at 67%, Mytham Primary School (0.8 mi) at 56% and St Stephen's CofE Primary School (0.7 mi, Good) at 53%. Two nearby schools recorded slightly higher figures: St Gregory's RC Primary School (0.8 mi, Good) at 82% and Kearsley West Primary School (0.8 mi) at 81%. No KS2 figure is shown for St John Church of England Primary School, Farnworth (0.7 mi, Good).

Who it may suit

Prestolee may suit families who want a smaller, academically ambitious primary with a nursery, strong reading teaching and plenty of clubs. The report's comments on SEND support may reassure parents of children who need extra help.

The main hurdle is getting a place: the school is over capacity, so check Bolton's admissions booklet and the school's admission arrangements early. As the inspection was in June 2024, it is also worth asking what has changed since.

May suit: Families in the Stoneclough and Kearsley area looking for a high-achieving primary with a nursery, strong SEND support and a wide range of clubs.

Drafted with the help of AI tools from our research notes and the sources above, then checked and edited by EduNavigate Research Team before publishing.