John Wheeldon Primary Academy
Stafford, ST16 3LX · Staffordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
69th of 217 primary schools in Staffordshire we can score, 310 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 — 8.1/10 against 2,668 of them, against 7.1/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 40% | 2.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.09 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
John Wheeldon Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% 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 15.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 536 pupils against a stated capacity of 515. 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 aiming for the higher standard in maths? How does the school maintain its Good rating while managing a roll above its designated places?
What Ofsted said about John Wheeldon Primary Academy
Overview
John Wheeldon Primary Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection. Pupils enjoy attending the school, which increasingly lives its ‘PROUD’ values of perseverance, respect, outstanding, unique and dynamic. The school provides a calm environment where pupils feel safe, behave considerately, and benefit from extensive opportunities for personal development and extra-curricular activities.
Strengths
- Pupils ‘enjoy coming to’ the school and feel supported by ‘kind’ peers and helpful staff.
- The curriculum in subjects such as geography, history and French is ‘secure’, meaning pupils learn well.
- The school identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) clearly and ensures teachers adapt learning appropriately.
- Leaders have an ‘accurate evaluation of the school’ and work effectively with the trust to secure improvements.
- The school has a ‘systematic approach to improving pupil attendance’ and works effectively with parents and external agencies.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure assessment is used effectively to identify and close gaps in pupils’ learning, as this is not yet consistent.
- Staff must apply the school’s behaviour policy consistently, particularly for pupils who need additional support to meet high expectations.
- In the early years, staff should design activities more effectively to build children’s subject knowledge securely and prevent gaps in understanding.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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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