Darnhall Primary School
Winsford, CW7 1JL · Cheshire West and Chester · primary school
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83rd of 117 primary schools in Cheshire West and Chester we can score, 129 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 — 2.6/10 against 1,792 of them, against 2.4/10 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 | 49.0 · 17 | 40% | 0.69 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Darnhall Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 49.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Shooting Stars Girls Football, Cricket, Hula Hooping, Dance, and Tennis clubs, alongside sports such as Netball, Orienteering, and Tri Golf. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 440 pupils against a stated capacity of 405. 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 children who need extra help with reading? How does the school manage class sizes given the current over-capacity status?
What Ofsted said about Darnhall Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils feel "safe and happy" and are "proud to attend." Leaders provide an "ambitious curriculum" with high expectations, resulting in good behaviour and personal development. However, inconsistencies in the early years and specific subjects hinder some pupils' progress.
Strengths
- Pupils develop as "well-rounded citizens" through opportunities like charity work and community forums.
- Reading is "prioritised" with effective phonics teaching, ensuring pupils read "confidently."
- Staff provide "effective support" for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- The governing body provides the "right balance of support and challenge."
- Staff well-being is a "high priority," with staff feeling "valued."
Areas to improve
- Ensure early years staff have the expertise to design learning activities that build on children’s existing knowledge.
- Refine curriculum-thinking in a small number of subjects to clearly identify the most important content.
- Provide sufficient opportunities for pupils to embed and recall earlier learning in some subjects.
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 | 54% |
| 2023/24 | 59% |
| 2024/25 | 49% |
| 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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