Black Firs Primary School
Congleton, CW12 4QJ · Cheshire East · primary school
Check the area around this school
74th of 114 primary schools in Cheshire East we can score, 124 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 the 3,204 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2/10 among them, against 4.1/10 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| 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.
Black Firs Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. However, 0.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2 out of 10 among them, against 4.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access netball and multi-skills clubs, alongside swimming, kayaking, cricket, rugby, hockey, tennis, dance, and gymnastics. Trips include gorge walking, theatre, and museum or art visits. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 372 pupils against a stated capacity of 280. 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 curriculum support pupils aiming to reach the higher standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for children who need extra help with reading or maths?
What Ofsted said about Black Firs Primary School
Overview
Black Firs Primary School continues to be a good school, offering a "welcoming and nurturing environment" where pupils feel happy and safe. Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and achievement, resulting in polite, well-mannered pupils who work hard and access a wealth of extra-curricular activities. The curriculum is generally broad and ambitious, with effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Strengths
- Pupils are "great friends to one another," with concerns about bullying dealt with quickly by teachers.
- Leaders have "prioritised reading," ensuring younger pupils read with "increasing fluency and accuracy" through effective phonics delivery.
- Staff quickly identify pupils with SEND, providing appropriate adaptations that give them "full access to the curriculum."
- Governors and trustees are "well informed about school performance" and use this knowledge to challenge leaders.
- Pupils have a "strong understanding of other faiths and cultures" and know what constitutes a healthy relationship.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, curriculum design is at an "earlier stage of development," meaning key knowledge or vocabulary is not clearly identified, hindering pupils from building securely on previous learning.
- On occasion, pupils read books that "do not match the sounds that they know," which slows progress in gaining secure phonics knowledge; leaders must ensure early readers practise what they have learned.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify risks and leaders taking timely action on reported concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 76% |
| 2023/24 | 44% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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 CW12 4QJ, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT