Barrow CofE Primary School
Chester, CH3 7HW · Cheshire West and Chester · primary school
Check the area around this school
113rd of 117 primary schools in Cheshire West and Chester we can score, 129 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 — 0.2/10 against 3,977 of them, against 0.7/10 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 | 33.0 · 4 | 40% | 0.17 |
| Ofsted | 7 | 35% | 0.25 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Barrow CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 33.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.7 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in February 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a Board Games club, play netball or football, and take part in dance. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 48 pupils against a stated capacity of 98. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the new inspection framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Barrow CofE Primary School
Overview
The report states that the school "requires special measures" because it is "failing to provide an acceptable standard of education" and leaders lack the capacity to secure improvement without external support. While pupils enjoy a "positive and nurturing atmosphere" and achieve well in personal development, "significant weaknesses" in safeguarding mean pupils are not consistently kept safe.
Strengths
- The personal development programme is rated "Strong standard," with pupils being "very well prepared to take advantage of all that life in modern Britain offers."
- Pupils behave well, showing "integrity" and "respect," while bullying is described as "rare."
- Staff provide "highly effective" pastoral support, helping pupils manage feelings and resolve conflicts.
- The curriculum is "well-organised and ambitious," with teachers adapting lessons to ensure pupils "understand and remember what they learn."
- Inclusion systems are effective, ensuring disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND have barriers to learning reduced.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff have "secure knowledge of how to keep pupils safe" and consistently follow reporting policies.
- Governors must "fully understand and fulfil their statutory responsibilities" to provide robust oversight of safeguarding and school improvement.
- Leaders should develop the approach to mathematics in key stage 1 to ensure pupils "secure number fluency."
Safeguarding
The report states that "safeguarding standards not met," noting that leaders have not maintained an "open and positive culture of safeguarding" and that some pupils "continue to be at risk of significant harm."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 33% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of CH3 7HW, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT