Buckstones Primary School
Oldham, OL2 8HN · Oldham · primary school
Check the area around this school
1st of 71 primary schools in Oldham we can score, 86 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 — 7.7/10 against 4,123 of them, against 8.0/10 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 | 77.0 · 82 | 62% | 5.04 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 38% | 2.98 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Buckstones 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%. A further 13.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in Cross Country, Netball, Tag-rugby, Football, Dodgeball, Handball, Rowing, and Athletics.
Getting in
The published school roll is 207 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 are the various sports teams organised across the year? What support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Buckstones Primary School
Overview
Buckstones Primary School is described as a "happy school where everyone is welcome," fostering "authentic and respectful relationships" among pupils and staff. The report highlights an "exemplary focus on maintaining health and well-being" and an "extraordinary approach to personal development," ensuring pupils are well-prepared for future challenges.
Strengths
- The curriculum is built around giving pupils a "love of life and learning," with "high quality" teaching of reading that ensures almost all pupils become "accurate and proficient readers."
- Early years provision is "Outstanding," with staff expertly delivering a well-planned curriculum in reading, writing, and mathematics, leaving children "exceptionally well prepared for future learning."
- Support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs is "exceptional," with staff going to "great lengths" to ensure these pupils "flourish" and are fully included.
- Personal development is "Outstanding," with leaders being "relentless in providing pupils with opportunities to learn and appreciate the beauty of diversity," promoting inclusion and equality.
- Governors have a "forensic understanding" of the school’s strengths, and staff receive "high-quality training" to support continuous improvement.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, the curriculum has not been designed with enough thought about how learning builds over time, meaning staff are less clear about key knowledge and how new learning links to previous learning.
- This lack of clarity hinders teachers’ ability to identify and address misconceptions or gaps in learning, as checks on understanding are sometimes not helpful.
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 | 78% |
| 2023/24 | 83% |
| 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
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 OL2 8HN, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT