Balderstone St Leonard's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Commons Lane, Balderstone, Blackburn, BB2 7LLOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Balderstone St Leonard's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School is a primary school in Blackburn for ages 2 to 11. It is one of the 692 schools in Lancashire. It ranks 4th of 49 primary schools in Blackburn. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in April 2014.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 2 April 2014, report published 8 May 2014
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 12 September 2023
Balderstone St Leonard's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School is a friendly and close-knit learning community where staff and pupils know each other well. Pupils said that their teachers are kind and that they can talk to them if they have any worries. This helps pupils to feel safe and happy at school. Pupils in different year groups work well together in their mixed-age classes. Teachers choose topics carefully so that all pupils can build their knowledge well. The school has high expectations of pupils' behaviour and learning. As a result, pupils' behaviour is of a high standard, and they achieve well across the curriculum. Pupils enjoy sharing their experiences of different traditions and religious celebrations with each other. Pupils said that everyone is warmly welcomed at this school. They have a clear understanding of discrimination, and they are well equipped to challenge any intolerant or unkind behaviour. Pupils embrace the wealth of clubs, activities and visits on offer. For example, pupils take part in athletics, netball, history club and family trips to the pantomime. In addition, pupils are also keen members of the school council and school community groups. Pupils take on their positions of responsibility with pride and commitment.
What the school should improve
- In a small number of subjects, staff do not identify pupils' gaps in knowledge as quickly as they should. As a result, a small number of pupils do not learn the curriculum as deeply as they could. The school should ensure that staff use assessment strategies successfully to address these gaps in pupils' knowledge.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
14 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
106 pupils on roll, with places for 105
Schools near Balderstone St Leonard's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Osbaldeston | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 71% met the expected standard |
| Mellor St Mary Church of England Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 65% met the expected standard |
| Ribchester St Wilfrid's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 30% met the expected standard |
| Alston Lane Catholic Primary School, Longridge | 3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 66% met the expected standard |
| Samlesbury Church of England School | 3 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | 73% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Voluntary aided school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 2 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Nicola Draycott
- Phone
- 01254769150
- Address
- Commons Lane, Balderstone, Blackburn, BB2 7LL
- Local authority
- Lancashire
- URN
- 119415
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.