Blackburn with Darwen
The Olive School, Blackburn
Dependable results for a comprehensive intake; the journey is the main thing to weigh.
What the data says
Published data, read plainly. It tells you what to check next; it does not guarantee a place or replace your local authority’s admissions guidance.
98% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths — well above the national average of around 61%.
- 98%
- Expected standard (R+W+M)
- 24%
- Higher standard (R+W+M)
- 2024/2025
- Academic year
KS2 progress scores (reading, writing, maths progress) are not yet surfaced in this summary. Check the performance table section below.
Admissions realism depends on your home postcode and the school's published allocation data. Enter your postcode on this page to get a more specific assessment, and always verify the latest policy on the school's official admissions page.
This school has a Muslim religious character. Admissions may prioritise pupils who meet faith criteria. A Supplementary Information Form (SIF) may be required.
Watch-outs
- Faith admissions criteria apply (Muslim). A Supplementary Information Form may be required. Evidence of faith practice may be needed.
What to do next
- Verify the school's official admissions policy
- Download and review the Supplementary Information Form
- Book an open day or school visit
- Add this school to your shortlist and compare with backup options
Admissions and catchment
Council allocation figures
Add a postcode to see where you would sit against past cut-offs.
We have not collected Blackburn with Darwen council’s allocation figures for this school yet. We only show a verdict when we can cite the council’s published figures. Check Blackburn with Darwen’s allocation booklet, or the school’s website.
Applications and offers
National offer day figures that councils report to the Department for Education. These are counts only: they do not show how far away the last child offered a place lived.
Reception entry
| Year of entry | Places offered | Put it first | First choices offered | Applications (any preference) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2026 | 90 | 156 | 89 (57%) | 288 |
| September 2025 | 90 | 168 | 90 (54%) | 290 |
| September 2024 | 90 | 186 | 90 (48%) | 299 |
| September 2023 | 90 | 155 | 90 (58%) | 277 |
| September 2022 | 90 | 182 | 90 (49%) | 292 |
Source: Department for Education: Primary and secondary school applications and offers, Academic year 2026/27, school-level data, published 18 June 2026. “–” means the figure was not published. The council’s own allocation figures are the official record: check Blackburn with Darwen’s admissions page for cut-off distances, the admission rules and this year’s dates.
KS2 results history
| Year | Pupils | Expected % | Higher % | Reading | Writing | Maths | Read score | Maths score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/2025 | — | 98.0% | 24.0% | 98.0% | 99.0% | 99.0% | 111.0 | 113.0 |
| 2023/2024 | — | 95.0% | 26.0% | 95.0% | 95.0% | 96.0% | 110.0 | 112.0 |
| 2022/2023 | — | 92.0% | 23.0% | 94.0% | 98.0% | 97.0% | 109.0 | 110.0 |
Nearby and similar schools
Other primary schools in Blackburn with Darwen for local comparison.
School information
| URN | 139813 |
| Local authority | Blackburn with Darwen |
| Region | North West |
| Phase | Primary |
| Type | Free schools |
| Gender of entry | Mixed |
| Age range | 4-11 |
| Headteacher | Executive Headteacher Smeena Riaz |
| Trust | STAR ACADEMIES |
| Admissions | Not applicable |
| Religious character | Muslim |
| Postcode | BB2 6QQ |
| Latest pupils | 637 |
| FSM eligible | 4.2% |
Contact and identifiers
Meins Road, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 6QQ
www.oliveblackburn.comView local authority page125454070| DfE number | 2003 |
| UKPRN | 10042316 |
| Opened | 3 Sept 2013 |
| GIAS updated | 9 Jul 2025 |
Data sources and freshness
| Official record updated | 9 Jul 2025 |
| Latest KS4 year | — |
| Latest KS2 year | 2024/2025 |
| Ofsted published | 29 Apr 2025 |
Latest Ofsted inspection
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Personal development | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
| Inspection type | S5 Inspection |
| Category of concern | — |
| Inspection date | 4 Mar 2025 |
| Publication date | 29 Apr 2025 |