Barlow Hall Primary School
Manchester, M21 7JG · Manchester · primary school
Check the area around this school
21st of 123 primary schools in Manchester we can score, 137 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.9/10 against 625 of them, against 7.0/10 nationally. 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 | 77.0 · 82 | 40% | 3.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Barlow Hall Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 77.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 7.0% achieved it, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Crafty Club and an after-school club. Outdoor activities include hill walking, orienteering, abseiling, rock climbing, ghyll scrambling, and archery.
Getting in
The published school roll is 231 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 in reaching the higher standard in maths? What specific trips or outdoor events are scheduled for the current academic year?
What Ofsted said about Barlow Hall Primary School
Overview
Barlow Hall Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The report describes a “nurturing, stimulating and safe environment” where pupils “thrive” and demonstrate “exemplary” behaviour. The school is characterised as a “vibrant hub at the heart of the community” with high aspirations for all learners.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a “broad” curriculum tailored to their needs, with teachers possessing “strong subject knowledge” who present lessons clearly.
- Early reading is “prioritised,” with “structured” phonics teaching ensuring most pupils become “confident and fluent readers.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are “well supported” through “thoughtful adaptations” and strong relationships with staff.
- The school offers an “exceptionally well-considered” personal development programme, fostering respect, equality, and appreciation of diversity.
- Staff well-being is supported by leaders who “engage well” to manage workload effectively, while trustees provide “effective oversight.”
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure pupils learn to write “legibly and with accurate punctuation consistently well,” as current inconsistencies hinder written communication for a small number of pupils.
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 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 77% |
| 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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