Shadsworth Junior School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 7 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Blackburn With Darwen, Shadsworth Junior School, Arran Avenue, BB1 2ETOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Shadsworth Junior School is a primary school in Arran Avenue for ages 7 to 11. It is one of the 88 schools in Blackburn with Darwen. It ranks 33rd of 51 primary schools in Blackburn with Darwen. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in October 2019.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 9 October 2019, report published 14 November 2019

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 January 2025

Pupils feel a keen sense of belonging at Shadsworth Junior School. They know that adults care about them and have high expectations for pupils to achieve. Pupils rise to these expectations, achieving well and being eager to please. The school is a calm and purposeful place to learn. The school values pupils' well-being highly. The school's pet dog is loved by all. Pupils are happy, polite and display positive attitudes toward their learning. Routines for positive behaviour are firmly established across the school. If pupils struggle, they are taught how to manage their own behaviour effectively. Pupils revel in the wide variety of opportunities that are on offer to develop their talents and interests, such as art, netball, judo and choir clubs. A rich variety of visits to places of local interest enhance pupils' learning across the curriculum. Pupils have a strong understanding of a range of important issues, including equality and diversity and healthy living. They are proud of the positive contribution that they make to their school. This includes acting as prefects, play leaders and subject ambassadors. By the time that pupils leave Year 6, they are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

What the school should improve

  • The school's writing curriculum is not as effective as other elements of its work. This means that some teachers do not enable pupils to write clearly, with accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar. The school should ensure that there is an increased emphasis on pupils' writing skills from the start of their time in school.
  • In a minority of subjects, teachers' checks on pupils' learning are at an early stage of development. This means that, sometimes, staff do not pick up on where there are gaps in pupils' learning or understanding and so, occasionally, these go unaddressed. The school should ensure that teachers' checks are used consistently well in these subjects so pupils can practise, apply and secure their learning.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

58 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths60%

60%, 2 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths2%

2%, 6 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score105

105, 1 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score104

104, 1 below the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score103

103, 2 below the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

215 pupils on roll, with places for 240

Eligible for free school meals63.7%

63.7%, 37.2 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language19.1%

19.1%, 2.5 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support42.8%

42.8%, 28 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan8.8%

8.8%, 2.8 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Shadsworth Junior School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
St Antony's RC Primary School0.3 milesOfsted: Good50% met the expected standard
Shadsworth Infant School0.4 milesOfsted judgements: GoodNot published
Knuzden St Oswald's Church of England Primary Academy0.7 milesReport card: Needs attention to expected standard36% met the expected standard
Audley Junior School0.8 milesOfsted: Good73% met the expected standard
Audley Infant School0.8 milesOfsted: GoodNot published

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
7 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
No
Headteacher
Mr John Haworth
Address
Blackburn With Darwen, Shadsworth Junior School, Arran Avenue, BB1 2ET
Local authority
Blackburn with Darwen
URN
119221

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.