Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School, Bolton Review 2026: A Top-Tier Catholic Community

In a quiet residential pocket of Farnworth, Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School stands as a high-performing beacon within the Bolton local authority. The school currently serves approximately 227 pupils, offering a single-form entry environment where the Catholic ethos is woven into the fabric of daily life. Under the leadership of Mrs Linda Chadwick, who has served as head teacher for over two decades, the school has cultivated a reputation for academic excellence that rivals many of the most sought-after primaries in the North West.

Performance data highlights a school operating at a significant level above the England average. The school ranks 4th among the primary schools in Bolton (FindMySchool ranking), placing it within the elite national bracket for Key Stage 2 outcomes. For parents seeking a school that balances a nurturing, faith-based environment with a rigorous approach to the core curriculum, this Farnworth primary presents a compelling case.

The atmosphere at Our Lady of Lourdes is defined by its Catholic identity and a palpable sense of community. The school motto, Live, Love, Learn, captures the commitment to following the example of Christ by welcoming and nurturing every child. This is not a school that treats its religious character as an optional extra; prayer and liturgy are central to the school day, and the relationship with the local parish is robust and active.

Physically, the school is well-maintained with a layout that encourages a sense of belonging. The single-form entry structure means that every staff member knows every child, creating a family-like environment where pupils feel safe and valued. The October 2024 Ofsted inspection noted that the school has created a culture where pupils value their learning and that behaviour is impeccable across the school. There is a clear emphasis on traditional values, yet the school has invested in modern resources to ensure the curriculum remains engaging for the current generation of learners.

Academic performance at Our Lady of Lourdes is exceptionally strong. In 2024, 89% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 62%. The school strength is particularly evident in the higher standard attainment; 36% of pupils achieved at a higher level in all three areas, compared to just 8% nationally.

Ranked 954th in England (FindMySchool ranking), the school outperforms 94% of schools in England, placing it firmly in the top 10% nationally. The average scaled scores are equally impressive, with reading and mathematics both reaching 108, while grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS) reached an outstanding 111. These figures indicate that the school successfully moves pupils from their starting points to levels of attainment that far exceed national expectations.

Teaching at Our Lady of Lourdes is characterized by high expectations and a structured approach to the core subjects. The curriculum is ambitious, and teachers use their subject knowledge to plan lessons that challenge pupils while providing necessary support. In mathematics, 94% of pupils reached the expected standard in 2024, a testament to the school effective numeracy strategy.

The school also places a high premium on literacy. From the start of the Nursery Year, staff design activities with a clear focus on developing language and communication. Reception children make a strong start in their reading journey and are taught phonics from the outset. The 45% of pupils achieving a high score in reading suggests that more able learners are pushed to reach their full potential. Writing is also a strength, with 19% of pupils achieving greater depth, outperforming the England average and reflecting a consistent focus on vocabulary and composition throughout the primary years.

As a primary school, the transition to secondary education is a key focus for Year 6. Many pupils progress to St James's CE High School or Mount St Joseph, both of which are local Catholic or faith-based secondary options. The school maintains close links with these providers to ensure that the transition is smooth, both academically and pastorally.

The high attainment levels at Key Stage 2 mean that pupils leaving Our Lady of Lourdes are often well-prepared for the most rigorous secondary curricula. Staff work closely with parents during the application process, and the school strong reputation ensures that its leavers are well-regarded by local secondary heads.

Securing a place at Our Lady of Lourdes is a competitive process. For recent intakes, the school received over 60 applications for just 30 places, meaning it is significantly oversubscribed. With a subscription proportion often exceeding 2.0, there are more than two applicants for every available desk.

As a Voluntary Aided Catholic school, the governing body is the admissions authority. Priority is given to baptized Catholic children, particularly those within the parishes of Our Lady of Lourdes and St Gregory the Great. Parents must complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) in addition to the standard local authority application by 15 January 2026 for September 2026 entry.

Pastoral care is a significant strength, rooted in the school religious character. The small size of the school allows for a highly personalized approach to wellbeing. Pupils are encouraged to support one another through various peer-leadership roles, and there is a strong focus on mental health and emotional resilience.

Special Educational Needs (SEND) provision is effective, and the school identifies the needs of pupils with SEND in a timely way. While the school does not have specialist classes, staff use questioning skilfully to check understanding and address misconceptions. External reviews highlight that the school is inclusive and that children with additional needs make high progress across the curriculum.

The school offers a range of extracurricular activities that complement the academic day. Sport is a significant part of the school identity, with pupils regularly participating in local competitions. The school has utilized its resources to offer a variety of clubs, including seasonal nature walks and obstacle courses for younger children.

Creative arts are also represented, with a school choir and opportunities for daily stories, rhymes, and songs in the early years. STEM enrichment includes explorative activities like crafting hedgehog hotels. These activities are designed to foster teamwork and confidence, ensuring that pupils develop interests beyond the core subjects.

The school day begins at 8:50 am and concludes at 3:15 pm. For working families, Our Lady of Lourdes offers integrated wraparound care. The breakfast club opens at 7:45 am, providing a nutritious start to the day with cereal, toast, and fruit juice for £4.00 per session.

After-school childcare is available via a provider called Kidzone, which operates term times and during holidays. The cost is approximately £11 per session or £55 per week. Nursery provision is available on-site for children aged three and over. For nursery fee details and session availability, parents should visit the school website directly. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families.

• Oversubscribed Entry: With two applications for every place, securing entry is the primary hurdle for families. Proximity to the school is important, but for this specific school, baptismal status and parish residency carry significant weight in the admissions criteria.
• Faith Commitment: The Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. Families should be comfortable with a curriculum and school life that are explicitly and consistently religious in nature.
• Single-Form Entry: While the small size creates a nurturing environment, it also means smaller peer groups. Children will likely stay with the same 30 classmates for seven years, which suits most but may feel limited for others.

Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School is a high-achieving, community-focused school that consistently delivers some of the best results in Bolton. Its combination of elite academic outcomes and a deep-rooted Catholic ethos makes it an exceptional choice for families within the parish. Best suited to families who value a traditional, faith-based education where academic standards are held to the highest level. The main challenge remains the high level of competition for the 30 places available each year.