Dowson Primary Academy
Hyde, SK14 5HU · Tameside · primary school
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17th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 5.7/10 against 3,314 of them, against 5.4/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 40% | 2.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dowson Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with a national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 5.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in dance and marathon running, and Year 6 students attend a residential trip to Whitby. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 477 pupils against a stated capacity of 475. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How does the after-school club integrate with the main curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Dowson Primary Academy
Overview
Pupils at Dowson Primary Academy are “exceptionally well cared for” and feel “happy and safe” due to effective support systems and high behavioural expectations. The school delivers a “relevant and ambitious curriculum” that enables pupils, including those with special educational needs, to achieve well and prepare thoroughly for future education.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “Outstanding” behaviour, living up to school values and actively standing up to unkindness.
- Staff provide “highly effective emotional support” and adapt the curriculum well for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Leaders ensure teachers “introduce, revisit and regularly check” essential knowledge, helping pupils build secure understanding over time.
- Reading is prioritised effectively, with staff ensuring children practise with books that “closely match the sounds that they know.”
- Pupils are “extremely well prepared” to contribute positively to their communities, showing deep respect for sensitive issues.
Areas to improve
- Senior leaders must ensure new subject leaders are “well trained to develop the curriculum” so that knowledge is secure across all subjects.
- Leaders should ensure the Reception curriculum “builds consistently well on the secure foundations laid in the Nursery Year” to strengthen children’s learning.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with staff suitably trained to identify concerns and leaders providing “timely and well-tailored support” to vulnerable pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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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