Masefield Primary School Review 2026: High-Performing Community Hub in Little Lever

Consistently strong results and a genuine community atmosphere make Masefield Primary School a standout choice in Little Lever. Serving approximately 257 pupils, including those in the integrated nursery, the school has established itself as an academic powerhouse in the Bolton area. The 2024 Key Stage 2 outcomes place it in the top tier of schools in England, reflecting a culture where high expectations are standard.

Mr Andy Done, recently named Headteacher of the Year 2025 at the Bolton News Education Awards, has led the school with a vision that inspectors describe as highly ambitious. Under his guidance, Masefield operates as a one-form entry academy within the BASE Academy Trust. The school is currently at its physical capacity, reflecting the strong demand from local families.

The atmosphere at Masefield is purposeful, happy, and welcoming. Located in the heart of Little Lever, the school functions as a community hub where pupils feel secure and valued. The 2024 Ofsted inspection found that pupils flourish and are extremely well motivated to make the most of the wide range of opportunities on offer.

The school motto, Believe, Achieve, Succeed, is more than a slogan; it is the heartbeat of the daily routine. Leaders have created a culture where academic success and personal growth are celebrated in equal measure. This is a school that manages to be academically rigorous while maintaining a warm, family-oriented feel, striking a balance that suits families seeking both high standards and a nurturing environment.

Masefield Primary School ranks 604th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This puts the school in the elite tier, placing it in the top 4% of schools in England. Within Bolton, the school ranks 3rd among all primary providers, a position it has held with remarkable consistency.

In 2024, 87% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the local authority average of 64% and the England average of 61%. The depth of achievement is equally impressive; 21% of pupils reached the higher standard (greater depth) in all three subjects, nearly tripling the England average of 8%.

Individual subject scores further highlight the school's strengths. In reading, the average scaled score was 110 (England average: 105), while mathematics followed at 109 (England average: 104). These figures demonstrate that teaching is exceptionally effective across the core curriculum.

The curriculum at Masefield is exceptionally well designed and ambitious. Teaching follows a structured "Masefield Way" that ensures key concepts are expertly built upon over time. In the Early Years, there is a laser focus on language acquisition and phonics, providing a robust foundation for the high reading standards seen in later years.

Mathematics teaching uses a mastery approach, ensuring pupils have a deep understanding of concepts before moving on to complex problem solving. The school makes excellent use of specialist teachers for Physical Education, Music, and Spanish, ensuring high-quality instruction across all disciplines. Teachers are noted for their expertise in swiftly addressing any gaps in knowledge, ensuring no pupil is left behind.

The majority of pupils progress to local secondary schools within the Little Lever and wider Bolton area. Little Lever School is a common destination due to proximity and established transition links.

For families considering selective education, Masefield’s strong Key Stage 2 performance provides a solid foundation for entrance exams. The school works closely with parents during Year 6 to ensure the transition to secondary school is smooth and that pupils are prepared for the next stage of their education.

Masefield is officially classified as oversubscribed. In a recent intake cycle, there were 89 applications for just 29 offers. This represents a subscription proportion of 3.07, meaning there are more than three applicants for every available place.

The school is particularly popular as a first-choice option, with nearly 1.8 first-preference applications for every offer made. Admissions are coordinated by Bolton Council, following standard state school criteria: looked-after children, siblings, and then distance from the school.

Pastoral care is a visible strength, with the 2024 inspection noting that the school's provision for wider development is exceptional. The school employs a dedicated pastoral lead and maintains high and clear expectations for behaviour and regular attendance.

Behaviour at breaktimes and as pupils move around the school is described as exemplary. Pupils respond well to the well-established routines and rewards in place, demonstrating positive attitudes to their learning. This contributes significantly to their high levels of achievement and overall happiness.

Extracurricular life is varied, with pupils keen to embrace the wide range of opportunities on offer. The school makes good use of its outdoor spaces for sports and physical development.

STEM and Creative Arts

The school has a strong commitment to the arts and technology. Music specialists and Spanish specialists ensure that the curriculum remains broad and engaging. In STEM, the school’s ambitious curriculum promotes deep thinking and a love of learning, with pupils developing a remarkable range of knowledge that prepares them well for the future.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:25pm. Masefield provides integrated nursery provision for children from age three, offering a seamless transition into the main school.

The Out of School Club provides wraparound care. Breakfast Club runs from 7:30am to 8:40am at a cost of £5.00 per session. After School Club operates from 3:25pm to 6:00pm at a cost of £10.00 per session. These services are popular and essential for many working families.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Masefield Primary School does not charge tuition fees for pupils in Reception through Year 6. For the Nursery, government-funded hours (15 or 30 hours) are available for eligible children.

Additional nursery sessions beyond the funded entitlement are charged at £17.00 for a three-hour session. A full week of 30-hour top-up provision is currently £89.00. Lunchtime provision for nursery pupils is £3.50 per day, with school meals priced at £2.65 per day.

• Significant Oversubscription: With over three applications per place, securing a spot at Masefield is a challenge for those living outside the immediate vicinity. Families should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous years.
• Potential for Outstanding Rating: The latest 2024 Ofsted report suggests that if a graded inspection were carried out now, the school might be judged as Outstanding. This potential upgrade reflects the high trajectory of the school under current leadership.
• Single-Form Entry: While the small size creates a close-knit community, it also means limited places. There is only one class per year group, which may not suit families who prefer a larger, multi-form environment.

Masefield Primary School is an academic high-performer that retains its family-focused heart. It suits families who value a traditional, community-focused education where high standards in core subjects are non-negotiable. Best suited to local Little Lever families who can secure a place in this competitive catchment. Those who do will find a school that consistently delivers outcomes and progress well above England averages.