Bowlee Park Community Primary School
Manchester, M24 4LA · Rochdale · primary school
Check the area around this school
2nd of 55 primary schools in Rochdale 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 — 9.0/10 against 2,170 of them, against 7.9/10 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 | 73.0 · 73 | 40% | 2.93 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 17.0 · 87 | 25% | 2.18 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bowlee Park Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 73.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 17.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in 2023-12.
Getting in
The published school roll is 900 pupils against a stated capacity of 840. 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 manage class sizes when operating 60 pupils over its designated capacity? What specific support is available for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard in core subjects? How does the school maintain its Outstanding rating while managing a pupil population significantly larger than its physical capacity?
What Ofsted said about Bowlee Park Community Primary School
Overview
Pupils thrive in a supportive environment where they feel "included, loved and respected." The school provides an "exceptional education" with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieve the best possible outcomes. Leaders and staff are united in a vision that connects ambitious knowledge with rich social experiences.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "exemplary" conduct and form "strong, caring relationships" with peers and staff.
- The curriculum is carefully planned, with staff knowing "precisely what pupils must learn, by when and why."
- Reading and language development are central, with books "carefully matched to the sounds that pupils know."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities "flourish" due to early identification and effective support.
- Personal development is enhanced through "experience passports," offering diverse opportunities like lobbying local councillors.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
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 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 73% |
| 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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