The educational watchdog Ofsted visited 113 mainstream primary schools, secondary schools and colleges in Lancashire between January 1 2024 and December 26 2025.
Educational establishments can be rated one of four grades - outstanding, good, requires improvement and inadequate - with a mix of ratings being given out throughout the year.
As of September 2024, Ofsted also changed the way it inspects schools so now, no overall effectiveness rating is given, instead just individual ratings across categories.
Of those 113 schools and colleges, only seventeen were rated outstanding’ against one or all categories in 2025.
Take a look at all those schools and colleges below, including their highlights and the areas that require improvement - if any!
13. The Olive School, Blackburn
Report published Apr 30 following an inspection on March 4-5. Classed as outstanding for all categories. Highlights: pupils thrive; exceptional academic education, strong pastoral support and rich, broad opportunities. Improvements needed: N/A. Previous inspection: Outstanding. | Google Maps
14. Runshaw College
Report published May 14 following an inspection on Mar 18-21. Classed as good 4 categories, outstanding for 4. Highlights: wholly inclusive and welcoming college culture; staff encourage pupils to aspire and achieve; students’ & apprentices’ behaviour is exemplary. Improvements needed: provide clear & accurate feedback to apprentices; increase proportion of students who make substantial progress. Previous inspection: Good. | Google Maps
15. Lancaster University School of Mathematics
Report published June 10 following an inspection on Apr 29-May 1. Classed as outstanding for all categories. Highlights: students are extremely positive about the school; students’ behaviour is exemplary; highly ambitious courses. Improvements needed: N/A. Previous inspection: N/A. | submit
16. Edenfield Church of England Primary School
Report published June 11 following an inspection on Apr 23-24. Classed as outstanding for all categories. Highlights: pupils behave & achieve very well; exceptional curriculum; curriculum brought to life through well-considered visits. Improvements needed: N/A. Previous inspection: Good. | Google Maps