Gentleshaw Primary Academy
Rugeley, WS15 4LY · Staffordshire · primary school
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142nd 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 the 2,280 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.0/10 among them, against 6.1/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 6 | 35% | 0.21 |
| 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.
Gentleshaw Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. However, 4.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.0 out of 10 among them, against 6.1 out of 10 nationally. The school was inspected in January 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Art Club (Clay Modelling), Rocksteady Music, and French Club, as well as Netball and Tennis Club. Year 6 students take a trip to Paris, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 201 pupils against a stated capacity of 140. 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 manage class sizes when operating significantly over its designated capacity? What specific support is provided for pupils aiming to reach the higher standard in core subjects? How does the new inspection framework affect the current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Gentleshaw Primary Academy
Overview
Gentleshaw Primary Academy is a welcoming school where pupils are happy, behave well, and feel safe. Most pupils achieve the expected standards in core subjects and make appropriate progress, though too few reach the higher standard. The school has stabilised after recent leadership changes, with governors providing effective support and staff feeling valued.
Strengths
- Pupils are "respectful, polite and cooperate well," creating a "calm and orderly" environment where bullying is rare.
- Attendance is regular and persistent absence rates are "decreasing over time" due to effective support systems.
- Leaders have built "effective links with the local community" and work closely with families to ease historic tensions.
- The personal development curriculum successfully builds knowledge of "fundamental British values" and prepares pupils for life in modern Britain.
- Staff wellbeing is managed well, and staff "feel valued and appreciate the support that leaders provide."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff have the expertise to deliver the curriculum consistently, particularly in early reading, writing, and foundation subjects like history.
- Staff need a "precise understanding" of barriers faced by pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities to provide effective, tailored support.
- Leaders should ensure "frequent, high-quality interactions" in the early years to develop children’s language and vocabulary more swiftly.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 79% |
| 2023/24 | 62% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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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