Buckton Vale Primary School
Stalybridge, SK15 3NU · Tameside · primary school
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44th of 59 primary schools in Tameside we can score, 76 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 — 5.0/10 against 2,651 of them, against 4.4/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 10 | 35% | 0.34 |
| 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.
Buckton Vale Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% 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%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in January 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join the School Council and Eco Committee, play football, basketball, swimming and athletics, and participate in ensemble singing and the brass band. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 202 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for pupils who need extra help in maths? How does the new Ofsted framework influence current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Buckton Vale Primary School
Overview
Buckton Vale Primary School provides an education that meets the expected standard across all key areas, including achievement, attendance, behaviour, curriculum, and leadership. The report highlights a calm, supportive environment where pupils feel safe and are eager to learn, with strong progress in mathematics and effective support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
Strengths
- Pupils attain significantly above the national average in mathematics and read well, with a high proportion meeting standards in phonics.
- Attendance is above the national average, supported by leaders who “assiduously” follow up concerns and help families remove barriers.
- Behaviour is excellent; incidents of bullying are “exceptionally rare” and dealt with decisively, creating a “calm environment” where pupils are kind and respectful.
- The curriculum is “ambitious and relevant,” building knowledge securely from early years, with staff adapting teaching effectively for pupils with special educational needs.
- Leaders foster a positive culture where staff wellbeing is prioritised, and trustees and governors fulfil their duties effectively.
Areas to improve
- Teachers should explicitly teach and reinforce handwriting and spelling at early stages to ensure pupils secure these foundational skills.
- Staff need to address pupils’ misconceptions more quickly as they arise to prevent mistakes from persisting and affecting future learning.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” and concerns actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 69% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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