Higher Lane Primary School
Manchester, M45 7EX · Bury · primary school
Check the area around this school
46th 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 3,892 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.8/10 among them, against 4.4/10 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 | 62.0 · 44 | 40% | 1.74 |
| Ofsted | 8 | 35% | 0.30 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Higher Lane Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted inspected the school in December 2025 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.8 out of 10 among them, against 4.4 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 491 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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
Since the December 2025 inspection uses a new framework without an overall grade, which specific areas received the highest ratings? How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Higher Lane Primary School
Overview
Higher Lane Primary School is described as a "happy place to learn" where pupils feel "safe and valued" and demonstrate a "strong sense of belonging." While the school meets expected standards in most areas, with strong personal development and attendance, pupils’ achievement in some foundation subjects requires attention due to previous curriculum deficiencies.
Strengths
- Pupils’ personal development is a "strong standard," with a "highly respectful attitude" towards difference and deep knowledge of cultures.
- Attendance is "typically above the national average," supported by "rigorous monitoring" and strong relationships with parents.
- Behaviour is positive, with bullying being "very rare" because pupils "understand the importance of caring for others."
- Early years provision is effective, with staff building "warm relationships" and children settling quickly into routines.
- Leaders show an "unwavering commitment" to inclusion, promptly identifying needs and collaborating with external agencies.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should strengthen teachers’ use of assessment across the wider curriculum to help pupils "know and remember more over time."
- Staff must provide appropriate support to improve pupils’ writing and letter formation so they can "communicate their knowledge effectively."
- Pupils currently "struggle to articulate what they know" in some foundation subjects, and their work quality is not yet of a high enough standard.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 51% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 62% |
| 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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