J H Godwin Primary School
Chester, CH1 5JG · Cheshire West and Chester · primary school
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115th 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 — 0.3/10 against 1,469 of them, against 0.6/10 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 | 32.0 · 4 | 40% | 0.14 |
| Ofsted | 5 | 35% | 0.18 |
| 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.
J H Godwin Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 32.0% 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 (0.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in June 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 161 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
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in literacy? What specific steps are taken to raise attainment in maths? How does the new Ofsted framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about J H Godwin Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where recent leadership changes have initiated improvements, but these are "not fully embedded" across the school. While the early years provide a "successful start" and safeguarding standards are met, overall pupil achievement and attendance remain below national averages. Inspectors note that while leaders have taken "appropriate action," it is "too soon to see the full impact" of these recent efforts.
Strengths
- Children in the early years benefit from "effective teaching" and "high-quality interactions" that enrich their language and thinking skills.
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
- Pupils behave well, are "polite and well mannered," and bullying is "rare" and resolved quickly.
- Staff provide "nurturing relationships" with children and families, supporting personal, social and emotional development.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff deliver the curriculum consistently and swiftly address "knowledge gaps and misconceptions" in reading, writing and mathematics.
- Actions to improve attendance must have the "intended impact" to reduce persistent absence, which remains high.
- The personal development programme requires improvement to ensure pupils secure knowledge for "life in modern Britain," including understanding of British values and equality.
Safeguarding
The report states that "safeguarding standards are met," confirming that leaders have established an open culture where pupils are "made safer and feel safe."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 30% |
| 2024/25 | 32% |
| 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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