Appleton Thorn Primary School
Warrington, WA4 4RW · Warrington · primary school
Check the area around this school
14th of 57 primary schools in Warrington we can score, 69 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 6.9/10 against 4,266 of them, against 7.2/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 74.0 · 76 | 62% | 4.65 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 38% | 2.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Appleton Thorn Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 74.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (6.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 198 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in maths? What specific trips are planned for the current academic year? How does the school manage class sizes with 12 places currently available?
What Ofsted said about Appleton Thorn Primary School
Overview
Appleton Thorn Primary School is described as a “welcoming village school” where pupils are “excited to come into school each day” and form “nurturing relationships” with staff. The report highlights that pupils are “avid, determined learners” who achieve well, supported by an “ambitious curriculum” and high expectations. While the school fosters a “calm and nurturing atmosphere” and excellent personal development, there are inconsistencies in how the curriculum is delivered in certain subjects.
Strengths
- Pupils display “exemplary” behaviour and a “calm and nurturing atmosphere” that enables them to focus on learning.
- The school places “great importance on the teaching of reading,” with staff expertise in phonics ensuring most pupils are “fluent readers by the end of key stage 1.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are “well supported to succeed” and access the “same ambitious curriculum as their peers.”
- Personal development is “exceptionally well thought through,” with pupils developing empathy, resilience, and understanding of health and safety.
- Leaders and governors “successfully hold school leaders to account” while considering staff workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure staff deliver the curriculum as intended, as lessons in some subjects are “not aligned precisely enough to the order of the intended curriculum.”
- The school should refine processes to check what pupils know and can “confidently remember over time” in subjects where prior learning is not recalled securely.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 46% |
| 2024/25 | 74% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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