Crackley Bank Primary School
Newcastle, ST5 7BE · Staffordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
75th of 217 primary schools in Staffordshire we can score, 310 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 — 8.8/10 against 653 of them, against 6.9/10 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 | 78.0 · 84 | 40% | 3.36 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Crackley Bank Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 78.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 6.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in bubble football, archery, multi-skills, trampolining, rock climbing, and swimming. Arts activities include choir concerts and Nativity performances, while trips include a Young Voices arena concert. A breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 198 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 does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the higher standard? How does the school manage the transition for pupils moving to secondary education?
What Ofsted said about Crackley Bank Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are “welcoming, cheerful and full of smiles” and feel safe due to “friendly and supportive” staff. Leaders have successfully improved the curriculum since the previous inspection, particularly in reading and mathematics, creating a “calm, orderly place in which to work and learn.”
Strengths
- A structured phonics programme has significantly improved pupils’ reading fluency, with staff ensuring those needing extra practice receive it.
- Mathematics is taught daily with “meaningful practice” that helps pupils become quick with numbers from Nursery through Year 6.
- The art and design curriculum is “particularly strong,” and pupils enjoy broadening their horizons through trips and activities like the ‘20 things to do before I leave’.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive “good-quality support” enabling them to access the full curriculum.
- Leaders have built “trusting relationships with parents” and staff value the support they receive regarding workload.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, staff try to cover too much content, meaning teaching does not focus enough on “deepening pupils’ knowledge.” Leaders should provide further training to help staff identify the most important knowledge to focus on.
- The quality of pupils’ writing is not yet as strong as their reading; leaders should continue to focus on developing “good writing habits” across the curriculum.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders and staff having an “informed knowledge of local risks” and ensuring proper checks on adults are carried out.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 46% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 78% |
| 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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