SchoolScoresSt William's Catholic Primary School, Pilling
Academy · Primary, ages 2 to 11 · Mixed · Roman Catholic · Nursery class
Part of THE BLESSED EDWARD BAMBER CATHOLIC MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
Garstang Road, Pilling, Preston, PR3 6AL
01253 790389 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 23 May 2023. This inspection was of the school before it changed to its current form (for example, before becoming an academy).
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Early years | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
Results
Key stage 2 (SATs, age 11), 2024/25
7 pupils in this year group.
Only 7 pupils took these tests, so results can change a lot from year to year. Compare with care.
14% — 46 points below the Lancashire average, and 48 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Lancashire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths | 14% | 60% | 62% |
| Reached the higher standard in reading, writing and maths | 0% | 7% | 8% |
| Met the expected standard in reading | 57% | 74% | 75% |
| Met the expected standard in writing | 14% | 71% | 72% |
| Met the expected standard in maths | 43% | 74% | 74% |
| Average reading scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 105 | 105 | 106 |
| Average maths scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 101 | 104 | 105 |
Source: DfE key stage 2 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Lancashire. The national closing date for primary applications is 15 January, and offers are sent on 16 April.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were about one first-choice application for every place.
| Places offered | 5 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 5 |
| Of those, offered a place | 5 (100%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 9 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.9 · 2025: 1.0 · 2026: 1.0
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
This is a Roman Catholic school. When it has more applicants than places it can give priority to families of the faith, for example those who can show regular worship. Check the school's admissions policy to see how places are allocated.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Lancashire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 24th highest of 124 state primary schools in Preston (Lancashire). Higher than 73% of 16,656 state primary schools in England. | 34.2% | 25.3%* | 26.3% |
| With an education, health and care plan 2nd highest of 124 state primary schools in Preston (Lancashire). Higher than 96% of 16,656 state primary schools in England. | 8.7% | 3.0%* | 3.5% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 16th highest of 124 state primary schools in Preston (Lancashire). Higher than 86% of 16,656 state primary schools in England. | 21.7% | 13.7%* | 15.0% |
| English as an additional language Joint 87th highest of 124 state primary schools in Preston (Lancashire). Higher than 17% of 16,656 state primary schools in England. | 2.2% | 16.0%* | 23.4% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 39th lowest of 124 state primary schools in Preston (Lancashire). Lower than 81% of 16,640 state primary schools in England. | 4.0% | 5.1%* | 5.2% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 56th lowest of 124 state primary schools in Preston (Lancashire). Lower than 64% of 16,640 state primary schools in England. | 9.4% | 12.3%* | 13.0% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils Joint 1st lowest of 124 state primary schools in Preston (Lancashire). Lower than 69% of 16,651 state primary schools in England. | 0.0 | 2.6 | 2.5 |
| Pupils suspended at least once Joint 1st lowest of 124 state primary schools in Preston (Lancashire). Lower than 69% of 16,651 state primary schools in England. | 0.0% | 1.2% | 1.1% |
| Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils | 0.00% | 0.07% | 0.03% |
| Pupils per teacher 122nd highest of 123 state primary schools in Preston (Lancashire). Higher than 2% of 16,642 state primary schools in England. | 11.6 | 21.1 | 20.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 121st highest of 123 state primary schools in Preston (Lancashire). Higher than 2% of 16,653 state primary schools in England. | 5.8 | 10.5 | 10.6 |
Comparisons are with primary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26.
Nearby primary schools
- Pilling St John's CofE Voluntary Aided Primary School 0.9 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 7 expected · 71% met expected standard (KS2)
- Carter's Charity Voluntary Controlled Primary School, Preesall 2.7 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 2 expected, 5 needs attention · 46% met expected standard (KS2)
- Stalmine Primary School 2.9 miles · Ofsted: Good (2013), confirmed 2023 · 56% met expected standard (KS2)
- Preesall Fleetwood's Charity CofE Primary School 2.9 miles · Ofsted: Good (2014), confirmed 2023 · 50% met expected standard (KS2)
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is St William's Catholic Primary School, Pilling's Ofsted rating?
St William's Catholic Primary School, Pilling was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 23 May 2023.
How did St William's Catholic Primary School, Pilling do in its SATs?
In 2024/25, 14% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, 48 points below the England average of 62%.
Is St William's Catholic Primary School, Pilling oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 5 families put St William's Catholic Primary School, Pilling as their first choice for 5 places: about one first-choice application for every place. 5 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 150580.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, Key stage 2 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.