Holyhead Primary Academy
Wednesbury, WS10 7PZ · Sandwell · primary school
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62nd of 84 primary schools in Sandwell we can score, 93 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 — 6.2/10 against 1,446 of them, against 4.9/10 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.56 |
| Ofsted | 8 | 35% | 0.27 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Holyhead Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 10.0%, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.9 out of 10 against all schools). The most recent inspection was in April 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join science, singing, cooking, Choir club, and Rock Steady groups. Sports include football, cricket, rugby, and dodgeball, alongside small group woodwind tuition. Trips visit the theatre and Litchfield Cathedral. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 261 pupils against a stated capacity of 244. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard in maths? How are the separate Ofsted areas currently graded?
What Ofsted said about Holyhead Primary Academy
Overview
Holyhead Primary Academy is a school where pupils feel safe, valued, and proud to belong, supported by strong relationships and a calm, purposeful environment. While attainment is broadly in line with national averages and disadvantaged pupils perform well, the report identifies inconsistencies in curriculum delivery and gaps in foundational skills such as handwriting and spelling. Leaders are actively working to address these issues, though improvements have yet to fully take effect.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a "calm and purposeful" behaviour culture where bullying is rare and relationships are "respectful and supportive".
- Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive "high-quality support", often outperforming national averages.
- Staff and leaders foster a positive culture described by staff as a ‘family’, with strong trust from parents and effective governance.
- The early years provide a "secure and positive start" with well-established routines and a strong emphasis on communication and language.
- Personal development programmes help pupils become "confident, considerate and responsible individuals" with a good understanding of wellbeing and British values.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff "identify and address pupils' knowledge gaps and misconceptions routinely and swiftly" to prevent errors in basic skills from persisting.
- The school’s approach to teaching reading, handwriting, and spelling needs to be "implemented effectively" to help pupils secure foundational knowledge.
- Curriculum delivery is not "consistently well" across all subjects, leading to gaps in essential basic knowledge for a significant minority of pupils.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed to ensure pupils feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| 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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