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OpenPrimaryOfsted: Needs attentionURN 119166

Barrowford School

Community school · Nelson · BB9 6EA

Ages 4–11 · 312 pupils · Lancashire

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Ofsted

Needs attention

KS2 expected (RWM)

38%

Overall absence

9.9%

Ofsted

Latest published inspection outcomes — not a ranking.

Read full report

Headline

Needs attention

Inspection date

2026-04-21

  • AchievementNeeds attention
  • Curriculum and teachingNeeds attention
  • InclusionExpected standard
  • Attendance and behaviourNeeds attention
  • Personal development and wellbeingExpected standard
  • Leadership and governanceNeeds attention

Safeguarding standards: Met

Source: Ofsted monthly management information

Performance

Official school-level results. Figures are not rankings — suppressed values are omitted.

Key stage 2 (2023/24)

Expected standard (RWM)38%
Higher standard (RWM)0%
Avg scaled score — reading
102.0
Avg scaled score — maths
102.0
Avg scaled score — GPS
104.0

Source: DfE school and college performance tables

Absence

Academic year 2023/24. Persistent absence means 10%+ of sessions missed. Lower figures are better.

Overall absence9.9%
Persistent absence (10%+)35.6%
Unauthorised2.5%
Authorised absence
7.4%
Severe absence (50%+)
1.6%
Enrolments in measure
317

Absence trend

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

  • Overall
  • Persistent (10%+)

Source: DfE pupil absence in schools in England

Size & intake

From the GIAS school census (15 Jan 2026).

Capacity fill74%

312 pupils · 420 places

Pupils on roll
312
Boys / girls
186 / 126
School capacity
420
Capacity fill
312 / 420 (74%)
Free school meals
44.2%
FSM pupils
138
Gender
Mixed
School type
Community school

Age range

Ages 4–11

05111619

Provision

Official GIAS characteristics

1 / 6

  • Nursery
  • Sixth form
  • Boarding
  • Special school
  • Independent
  • Academy

School characteristics

Special classes
Has Special Classes
Governance
Community school
Headteacher
Mrs Rachel Tomlinson

Location

Address
Rushton Street, Barrowford, Barrowford Primary School
Postcode
BB9 6EA
Town
Nelson
County
Lancashire
Local authority
Lancashire
District
Pendle
Constituency
Pendle and Clitheroe
Urban/rural
Urban: Nearer to a major town or city

SEN & specialist provision

As recorded in GIAS — provision detail, not an Ofsted judgement.

SEN types
SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Special classes
Has Special Classes
Resourced provision
SEN unit
SEN unit places
16 on roll / 16 capacity

Local context

How this school sits among open establishments in its area, using official GIAS records. These are counts, not rankings.

Mixed community school (primary), Ages 4–11, in Nelson, Lancashire, 312 pupils on roll. Notable characteristics: special school. Free school meals: 44.2%. SEN provision includes: SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health.

Open schools in Nelson
26
Primary schools in Nelson
17
Academies among open schools in Nelson
27% (7)
Open schools in BB9
28
Primary in BB9
17
Open schools in Lancashire LA
709
Primary in Lancashire LA
483

Nearby primary schools

Open schools within about 3 miles, prioritising the same phase where possible. Distances are approximate from GIAS coordinates.

Compare with theseAll in NelsonNear BB9

Contact

Headteacher
Mrs Rachel Tomlinson
Telephone
01282615644
Website
http://www.barrowford.lancs.sch.uk

Official links