The Olive School, Bolton Review 2026: Elite Performance in the Heart of Bolton

The Olive School, Bolton, stands as a premier example of academic excellence within the state funded sector. Established in 2016 and moving to its permanent, purpose built home in the town centre in 2024, the school has rapidly ascended to the pinnacle of primary education in England. Serving 425 pupils across a two form entry structure, the school provides a Muslim faith based education that focuses heavily on character development and community service. Its 2025 Key Stage 2 results are nothing short of elite, positioning it as the highest performing primary school in Bolton and among the top 2% of schools in England.

The atmosphere at The Olive School is one of quiet purpose and high aspiration. Housed in the modern Ashton House development, the school facilities are designed to support a calm and orderly learning environment. The interior is characterised by bright, open spaces and a clear emphasis on the school's STAR values: Service, Teamwork, Ambition, and Respect. These values are integrated into daily routines rather than just being decorative, with pupils encouraged to take leadership roles early in their school careers.

Principal Sabina Saeed has led the school since January 2018, arriving with a clear mandate for excellence. Under her leadership, the school has maintained its prestigious standing, confirmed by a 2025 Ofsted inspection that praised the school for sustaining its high standards. The school is part of Star Academies, one of the UK's leading multi academy trusts, which brings a structured and proven approach to school management and curriculum design. This partnership ensures that while the school remains rooted in its local Bolton community, it benefits from national expertise in educational standards. The Muslim ethos is pervasive but inclusive, focusing on universal values of charity and social responsibility that prepare pupils for life in modern Britain.

The academic outcomes at The Olive School are exceptional. In 2025, 95% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, a figure that dwarfs the England average of 62%. This level of achievement is consistent across all core subjects, with 98% reaching the standard in reading and 98% in mathematics.

The school's performance at the higher standard is particularly striking. Over 30% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of just 8%. These results place The Olive School at 1st in Bolton among all primary providers and 254th in England. This FindMySchool ranking, based on official data, confirms the school sits in the elite tier, placing it in the top 2% of schools in England.

The curriculum is designed around the Star Academies' framework, which emphasises deep knowledge and the mastery of core skills. Literacy and numeracy are given significant time, but the curriculum remains broad. Science is a clear strength, with outcomes significantly exceeding England averages.

Teaching is characterized by high expectations and expert subject knowledge. Digital literacy is a priority, with pupils using technology to enhance their research and presentation skills from a young age. The school also places a high premium on cultural capital, ensuring that pupils are exposed to a wide range of literature, historical perspectives, and scientific concepts that prepare them for the transition to secondary education.

Pupils from The Olive School are well prepared for the most competitive secondary environments. Many transition into local Star Academies' secondary schools, such as Eden Boys' School or Eden Girls' School in Bolton, which share a similar ethos and high academic expectations. The school's robust Key Stage 2 performance also makes its leavers strong candidates for local grammar schools in neighboring areas of Greater Manchester, such as Bury or Trafford, for those families choosing to pursue the 11 plus route.

The Olive School is a state funded academy, and admission is coordinated through Bolton Council. However, it is one of the most oversubscribed schools in the region. For the 2026 entry, the application deadline is 15 January 2026, with offers released on 16 April 2026.

The admissions policy includes priority for those following the Muslim faith, but the Local Accountability Board considers all applications equally without reference to faith for a significant portion of the intake. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to assess their proximity to the school, as distance often becomes the deciding factor once faith and sibling criteria are met.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state funded academy, The Olive School has no tuition fees. It is free for all pupils who secure a place. There are no associated costs for the core educational provision, though families should budget for the branded school uniform and occasional voluntary contributions for school trips or special events.

The school operates a small school feel despite its 425 pupil capacity. Each child is known personally by the leadership team, and the pastoral system is built on the foundation of the STAR values. Safeguarding is a particular priority, and recent inspections confirm that pupils feel safe and well supported.

Wellbeing is addressed through a structured PSHE curriculum and a focus on emotional resilience. The school employs a positive behaviour management system that rewards effort and community contribution, leading to a calm environment where low level disruption is rare.

Extracurricular life is framed around the Star Diploma and various enrichment programmes.

STEM Excellence

The school hosts regular Science Fairs and coding clubs, where pupils use digital technology to develop early programming skills.

Creative Arts

Olive's Got Talent events and termly Nasheed performances allow pupils to develop confidence in public speaking and performance.

Community Service

This is a major pillar of the school. Pupils are involved in local food bank drives and environmental projects, such as spreading winter warmth throughout the Bolton community.

The school day begins with an optional, free Breakfast Club from 7:30am, providing extended care for busy parents. Registration is at 8:15am, and the school day concludes with dismissal between 3:05pm and 3:15pm. On Wednesdays, there are optional enrichment clubs that run after school until 3:50pm. The town centre location at Ashton House makes it accessible via public transport, being a short walk from Bolton Interchange.

• Extreme Competition for Places: With a subscription proportion of 3:1, many families who put the school as their first choice will not secure a place. Families must have a realistic alternate plan when applying.
• Academic Intensity: The school's elite ranking is the result of a very focused and rigorous academic environment. This pace suits motivated learners but may feel demanding for children who require a more play led approach in the upper years.
• Faith Integration: The Muslim character of the school is genuine and informs daily life, including collective worship and the curriculum. Families from other backgrounds should be comfortable with this religious framework.

The Olive School, Bolton, is an academic powerhouse that provides a high level of education within the state sector. Its elite ranking in the top 2% of schools in England makes it a top tier choice for families who value academic rigour and character development. Best suited to families in Bolton who seek a high achieving, faith based environment and who are prepared for the competitive admissions process.