Irk Valley Community School
Manchester, M8 5XH · Manchester · primary school
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98th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 1.2/10 against 1,001 of them, against 1.2/10 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 | 46.0 · 14 | 40% | 0.55 |
| 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.
Irk Valley Community School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 46.0% 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%, 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 (1.2 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the School Council, Urban Crew, Peer Mentors, Rights Respecters, Digital Leaders, Pupil Safety Team, Eco Team, and Buddies. Sports activities include Sports Leaders and The Daily Mile. A breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 437 pupils against a stated capacity of 472. 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 strategies are used to close the gap between current results and national medians?
What Ofsted said about Irk Valley Community School
Overview
Irk Valley Community School continues to be a good school, described as a "joyful place to be" where pupils are "proud to belong." Leaders maintain high expectations, ensuring a welcoming environment where children feel safe, valued, and well-supported in their learning.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a "rich and ambitious body of knowledge" in the curriculum, which builds logically from the Nursery Year to Year 6.
- Staff are "expertly equipped" to deliver the curriculum in most subjects, quickly addressing gaps in pupils’ knowledge.
- Reading is a clear priority, with early years children making a "strong start" and most pupils in Key Stage 1 reading "accurately and fluently."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive timely support, allowing most to "succeed alongside their classmates."
- The school fosters positive behaviour and citizenship, with pupils taking on leadership roles and showing respect for others.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of foundation subjects, teachers’ subject knowledge is less developed, hindering the delivery of focused content; leaders must provide support to improve this expertise.
- Some pupils, including those in Key Stage 2, are not catching up in reading quickly enough due to insufficient practice in matching letters to sounds; leaders must ensure precise phonic practice to improve fluency.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a culture where adults take duties seriously, are well trained, and work tenaciously with external agencies to ensure pupils receive the right help.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 51% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 46% |
| 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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