Downholland-Haskayne Voluntary Aided Church of England Primary School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 2 to 11
Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good

Black-A-Moor Lane, Haskayne, Ormskirk, L39 7HXOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Downholland-Haskayne Voluntary Aided Church of England Primary School is a primary school in Ormskirk for ages 2 to 11. It is one of the 692 schools in Lancashire. Its latest Ofsted inspection, in July 2025, graded each key judgement and gave no overall Ofsted rating.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 8 July 2025, report published 14 September 2025

This inspection graded each key judgement and gave no overall effectiveness grade.

Quality of education
Requires improvement
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Requires improvement
Early years provision
Requires improvement
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 July 2025

Set amidst farmland, mossland and trees, this small school provides pupils with a safe, happy place to learn in. Pupils find it easy to make friends. They get to know other pupils in the early years and key stages 1 and 2 well. Pupils treat others with thought and consideration. Often, pupils are physically active in the school's classrooms, spacious playground, garden or field. The school makes successful use of its quiet location in its teaching of the curriculum. Pupils are often treated to the sounds of local cows, sheep or horses during their learning. The school takes care to learn about the needs of each pupil. Pupils feel that they belong at the school. The school has high expectations of its pupils. Pupils are beginning to benefit from the recent improvements that the school has made to its curriculum design and teaching. However, some of the school's curriculum is not well thought out. In addition, governance and some of the school's leadership of aspects of its work are not as effective as they should be. These weaknesses hamper pupils' quality of education and their achievement.

What the school should improve

  • At times, some of the school's curriculum does not clearly identify the essential knowledge that staff should teach. Some pupils do not develop secure curriculum knowledge. This means that they are not as well prepared for their next stage of education as the school intends. The school should ensure that all curriculums are equally well thought out so that pupils know and remember all that they should.
  • The governing body does not have enough understanding of some of the school's curriculum strengths and priorities. This affects how well it challenges and supports the quality of education at the school. Governors should ensure that they are well informed on the school's work, so they can more effectively fulfil their statutory responsibilities and support the school on its continued journey of improvement.
  • The leadership of some aspects of the school's work is less well developed than in others. This affects how well staff are supported to improve their teaching and it holds back some aspects of pupils' learning. The school should ensure that it develops its knowledge and expertise so that each aspect of its work is led well.

Pupil numbers and mix

20 pupils on roll, with places for 64

Eligible for free school meals25%

25%, 1.5 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language5%

5%, 16.6 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support35%

35%, 20.2 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan25%

25%, 19 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Downholland-Haskayne Voluntary Aided Church of England Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Halsall St Cuthbert's Church of England Primary School2 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstanding79% met the expected standard
St Gregory's Catholic Primary School2 milesReport card: Strong standard79% met the expected standard
Lydiate Primary School2 milesOfsted: Good47% met the expected standard
Aughton St Michael's Church of England Primary School2 milesOfsted: Good71% met the expected standard
St Thomas Church of England Primary School, Lydiate3 milesOfsted: Outstanding86% 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
Mr David Swindells
Address
Black-A-Moor Lane, Haskayne, Ormskirk, L39 7HX
Local authority
Lancashire
URN
119479

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.