Best Primary Schools in Bolton 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 97 schools across Bolton. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Bolton has 97 primary schools, of which 16 (16%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted and a further 80 rated Good — 99% of primary schools in Bolton are rated Good or Outstanding overall. The Olive School, Bolton currently leads the local rankings on our composite SNM Score.

Catchment data available for 1 school in Bolton. We publish last-admitted distance and three-year history wherever the council has released it — useful before you commit to a postcode in the area.

Application deadlines in Bolton follow the national calendar: 31 October for Year 7 secondary entry and 15 January for Reception primary entry. Offers go out on 1 March and 16 April respectively.

97
Total schools
16
Outstanding
16%
Outstanding rate
65%
Avg KS2 SATs
39.5
Avg GCSE A8
All schools Primary Secondary
Rank School Ofsted SNM Score
🥇 The Olive School, Bolton
Primary
 Outstanding 95 View school
🥈 Lostock Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 95 View school
🥉 The Valley Community Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 89 View school
4. Oxford Grove Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 88 View school
5. Blackrod Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 87 View school
6. Prestolee Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 86 View school
7. St Andrew's CofE Primary School, Over Hulton
Primary
 Good 85 View school
8. Sacred Heart R.C. Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 85 View school
9. Bowness Primary School
Primary
 Good 83 View school
10. Eatock Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 83 View school
11. The Gates Primary School
Primary
 Good 82 View school
12. Masefield Primary School
Primary
 Good 82 View school
13. Moorgate Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 81 View school
14. St Gregory's RC Primary School, A Voluntary Academy
Primary
 Good 81 View school
15. Kearsley West Primary School
Primary
 Good 81 View school
16. St Mary's CofE Primary School, Deane
Primary
 Outstanding 81 View school
17. Eagley Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
18. Washacre Primary Academy
Primary
 Good 80 View school
19. Bolton Parish Church, Church of England Primary School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
20. St John Church of England Primary School, Farnworth
Primary
 Good 80 View school

Related lists for Bolton

All schools in BoltonPrimary & secondary combined Secondary schools in BoltonYear 7 onwards Outstanding schools in Bolton16 schools rated Outstanding

See full data for any school in Bolton

Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

Search schools in Bolton

Frequently asked questions

How many primary schools are there in Bolton?
There are 97 primary schools in Bolton, of which 16 (16%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
What are the best schools in Bolton?
Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Bolton is The Olive School, Bolton. See the full ranked list above.
How do I apply for a school place in Bolton?
Primary and secondary school applications in Bolton are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Bolton council website for application forms and deadlines.
What is the average Ofsted rating in Bolton?
16% of primary schools in Bolton are rated Outstanding and 82% are rated Good. 81% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.