Emmanuel Holcombe Church of England Primary School
Bury, BL8 4PA · Bury · primary school
Check the area around this school
22nd of 55 primary schools in Bury we can score, 64 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 the 1,163 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.9/10 among them, against 5.5/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Emmanuel Holcombe Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.9 out of 10 among them, against 5.5 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join choir, chess, digital leaders, and science clubs, alongside cross-country, netball, football, and dance. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 115 pupils against a stated capacity of 118. 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 to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for children who need extra help in maths? How does the after-school club integrate with the main curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Emmanuel Holcombe Church of England Primary School
Overview
Pupils “flourish” at this school, where they are made to feel welcome and develop the “confidence and resilience” needed for new challenges. The report highlights that pupils behave well, uphold the school’s values, and benefit from the “impressive ‘Holcombe Offer’” of high-quality activities. Overall, the school provides a strong educational experience with effective leadership and outstanding personal development.
Strengths
- The curriculum is well-designed in most subjects, with teachers focusing on “the most important information” and regularly revisiting topics to help pupils “build on what they already know.”
- Reading is a particular strength, with an “ambitious and well organised” curriculum that ensures pupils become “accomplished and confident readers” through high-quality phonics instruction.
- The school is “adept at identifying the additional needs of pupils with SEND,” providing effective support that enables them to achieve well.
- Personal development is rated Outstanding, with “carefully thought-out activities” that prepare pupils extremely well for later life, including exceptional support for mental well-being.
- Governors are “well informed” and provide effective support and challenge, while relationships between staff, pupils, and the school are strong.
Areas to improve
- In a “small number of subjects,” the curriculum does not clearly define essential knowledge or the order of learning, leading to gaps that could hinder pupils’ progress in secondary school.
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 | 88% |
| 2023/24 | 93% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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