Gorsewood Primary School
Runcorn, WA7 6ES · Halton · primary school
Check the area around this school
34th of 47 primary schools in Halton we can score, 49 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 — 3.2/10 against 494 of them, against 2.2/10 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 40% | 1.18 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Gorsewood Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access Forest Schools, School Council, and Safety Officers. Sports include Junior Baseball/Softball, Runcorn Hockey Club, Widnes Wild Ice Hockey, Halton Street Soccer and Futsal, Halton Cricket Forum, and Swimming. Arts and music cover Music at Gorsewood and Arts & Craft. Trips visit Norton Priory, Chester Zoo, Halton Castle, Blackpool, Liverpool, Chester, Beeston Castle, and residential locations. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 166 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 to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard? What specific support is available for pupils who need extra help in maths?
What Ofsted said about Gorsewood Primary School
Overview
Gorsewood Primary School continues to be a good school, providing a "caring, purposeful and exciting environment" where pupils thrive. Leaders have devised a "suitably ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum" that enables most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, to achieve well. However, the report highlights that some pupils have gaps in their knowledge due to previous curriculum weaknesses, and attendance remains an issue for some.
Strengths
- Pupils are happy, feel safe, and value their friendships, with bullying being rare and stopped immediately when it occurs.
- Teachers have secure subject knowledge and check understanding before moving on, ensuring pupils build on what they know.
- Leaders place a high priority on reading, with pupils in early years learning phonics quickly and reading unfamiliar words confidently.
- Staff work closely with parents and external organisations to identify and support the additional needs of pupils with SEND quickly.
- Governors provide effective challenge and support, and staff feel leaders are mindful of their workload and mental health.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should build on existing strategies to promote good attendance, as some pupils are routinely absent, hampering their learning.
- Teachers must identify and address gaps in pupils’ knowledge and skills in one or two subjects caused by previous curriculum weaknesses.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders ensuring stringent systems are in place and staff are alert to signs that a pupil may be at risk of harm.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 43% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 56% |
| 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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