Farnworth Church of England Controlled Primary School
Pit Lane, Widnes, WA8 9HSOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Farnworth Church of England Controlled Primary School is a primary school in Widnes for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 69 schools in Halton. It ranks 7th of 19 primary schools in Widnes. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in July 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 3 July 2023, report published 28 September 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 3 July 2023
Farnworth is not just a school. It is a family. Pupils feel that they are well cared for and the relationships between pupils and staff are positive and respectful. This was summed up by some Year 5 pupils who shared with inspectors that they wanted to take their teachers with them to high school. Pupils said that staff provide timely help if they feel worried or upset. Staff make sure that they address any incidents of unkindness between pupils, including bullying, thoroughly and swiftly. This helps pupils to feel safe. Those pupils who take on leadership roles, such as being a member of the school council, make a valuable contribution to the school community. Leaders have high expectations for what pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), should achieve. Pupils achieve well across the curriculum. Staff expect pupils to be well behaved. Pupils respond positively to these high expectations, and they are attentive in their lessons. Pupils move calmly and sensibly around school and play together well at social times. Pupils enjoy, and benefit from, the rich curriculum on offer at Farnworth. Pupils were very proud to share examples of their learning and sporting achievements. Pupils are afforded opportunities to learn to play different musical instruments, such as the drums and keyboards. They also enjoy gospel singing.
What the school should improve
- Some staff are still honing their expertise to deliver aspects of the phonics programme as leaders intend. This means that, from time to time, some staff do not ensure that pupils read books that are matched closely enough to their phonics knowledge. This hinders a very small number of pupils in becoming fluent and confident readers as quickly as they should. Leaders should ensure that staff receive ongoing training and support so that they can deliver the phonics programme consistently well.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
61 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
414 pupils on roll, with places for 420
Schools near Farnworth Church of England Controlled Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunts Heath Primary School | 0.2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | 84% met the expected standard |
| Fairfield Primary School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | 68% met the expected standard |
| Moorfield Primary School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | 94% met the expected standard |
| St Bede's Catholic Junior School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | 62% met the expected standard |
| St Bede's Catholic Infant School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Outstanding | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Voluntary controlled school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mrs Stephanie Kidd
- Phone
- 01514243042
- Address
- Pit Lane, Widnes, WA8 9HS
- Local authority
- Halton
- URN
- 111394
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.