Higher Openshaw Community School
Manchester, M11 1AJ · Manchester · primary school
Check the area around this school
80th of 123 primary schools in Manchester we can score, 137 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 — 3.8/10 against 493 of them, against 2.5/10 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 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| 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.
Higher Openshaw Community School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 326 pupils against a stated capacity of 345. 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 who are not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific strategies are used to help children progress to the higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap between its results and the national median?
What Ofsted said about Higher Openshaw Community School
Overview
Higher Openshaw Community School continues to be a good school, providing a happy and safe environment where pupils enjoy learning. Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and well-being, fostering strong relationships across the school community. Pupils achieve well, supported by a curriculum that builds logically from the early years and promotes a love of reading.
Strengths
- Pupils are happy, feel safe, and have positive relationships with staff, enjoying activities like the ‘Always Club’ for good conduct.
- Leaders promote well-being through confidence-building activities, such as outdoor learning, and foster peer support via digital leaders and playground buddies.
- The curriculum is carefully planned, with subject leaders identifying key knowledge; pupils achieve well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Reading is highly valued, with effective phonics teaching and engaging opportunities like bedtime story sessions for parents and pupils.
- Staff feel valued and supported, working in a calm atmosphere where they model positive behaviour and are proud of their work.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, leaders must ensure teachers carefully check that pupils know and remember essential curriculum knowledge before introducing new topics to address gaps or misconceptions.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders establishing a strong culture, robust processes to identify at-risk pupils, and frequent training for staff and governors.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 56% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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