Highfield Community Primary School
Chester, CH1 5LD · Cheshire West and Chester · primary school
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64th of 117 primary schools in Cheshire West and Chester we can score, 129 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 3.3/10 against 2,880 of them, against 3.5/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Highfield Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 9.0% against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (3.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils attend trips to Burwardsley, Tattenhall, PGL Boreatton Park and London. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 218 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
Since the last inspection was in 2022, what specific improvements have been made to support reading and writing since then? How do the breakfast and after-school clubs operate on days when the school is at full capacity?
What Ofsted said about Highfield Community Primary School
Overview
Highfield Community Primary School is described as a "welcoming, family-orientated school" where pupils "thrive socially and academically." The inspection confirms that the school continues to be a good school, with leaders maintaining high expectations and a clear purpose for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- Pupils are "polite and well mannered," benefiting from "calm and orderly" classrooms that allow them to concentrate effectively.
- Leaders have designed an "ambitious curriculum" that introduces knowledge in a "logical manner," with teachers explaining new learning clearly.
- Reading is central to the curriculum, supported by a well-trained staff delivering a new phonics programme and ensuring struggling pupils receive necessary support.
- Staff are skilled at identifying pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate help to learn successfully.
- The school offers a "wonderful range of activities" and clubs, including links with a local zoo, which broaden pupils' awareness of the world and promote mutual respect.
Areas to improve
- Some subject leaders lack in-depth monitoring of curriculum delivery, hampering their ability to support teachers effectively in certain subjects.
- Assessment systems in foundation subjects, such as history and geography, are at an "early stage of development," preventing leaders from having an accurate overview of pupil progress over time.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" where staff are well trained to identify signs of distress and support vulnerable families.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 41% |
| 2023/24 | 56% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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