Birchwood CofE Primary School
Warrington, WA3 6QG · Warrington · primary school
Check the area around this school
46th 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 3.8/10 against 810 of them, against 2.7/10 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 40% | 1.47 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
Birchwood CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% 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%, against a 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 (3.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 157 pupils against a stated capacity of 226. 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 school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap in higher standard attainment?
What Ofsted said about Birchwood CofE Primary School
Overview
Birchwood CofE Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The school provides a “caring and nurturing environment” where pupils are happy, feel safe, and enjoy “exceptionally warm and nurturing relationships with adults.” Most pupils achieve well and leave Year 6 ready for the next stage of their education.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a “broad and ambitious curriculum” designed to meet community needs, enriched by trips and visitors.
- “Skilled teachers” deliver the curriculum with a “strong programme of professional development” and effective checks on learning.
- The teaching of early reading is a “real strength,” with most pupils meeting the national phonics screening check.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified quickly and supported to “fully access the curriculum.”
- Attendance has improved due to targeted support for families, and governors “hold the school to account effectively.”
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, pupils have “gaps in their knowledge” from previous curriculum weaknesses; the school must ensure teachers use assessment strategies accurately to address these quickly.
- Expectations for early writing are “not high enough,” hindering fluency and confidence; the school should increase emphasis on writing skills from the start of school.
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 | 46% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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