Lightcliffe C of E Primary School
Halifax, HX3 8SH · Calderdale · primary school
Check the area around this school
49th of 76 primary schools in Calderdale we can score, 81 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 the 3,999 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.5/10 among them, against 5.9/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 40% | 1.97 |
| Ofsted | 10 | 35% | 0.34 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Lightcliffe C of E Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, matching the national median of 64%. A higher 12.0% achieved the higher standard, compared to the national median of 7%. An April 2026 Ofsted inspection used the new framework, grading areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.5 out of 10 among them, against 5.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the Eco School club, join the choir, and attend the Young Voices concert.
Getting in
The published school roll is 370 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 reach the higher standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for children who need extra help with reading? How does the Eco School club integrate into the daily curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Lightcliffe C of E Primary School
Overview
Lightcliffe C of E Primary School is described as a place where pupils feel safe, enjoy school, and demonstrate "positive attitudes to learning." The report highlights a "calm, cheerful and welcoming environment" where staff and leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and achievement. Pupils typically achieve well, with outcomes in writing and phonics noted as particular strengths.
Strengths
- Pupils "talk enthusiastically about their learning" and securely recall key facts across subjects, including mathematics and farm topics in Reception.
- Attendance is a priority, with leaders using data to "identify and investigate any patterns" and providing support such as "gentle start[s] to the day" for pupils who find it hard to come to school.
- The curriculum is "carefully-designed," with a high priority on pupils developing the ability to "express their thoughts and ideas clearly" and widening their vocabulary.
- Phonics lessons are taught with "focus and precision," resulting in outcomes that are "significantly above the national average."
- Leaders identify the needs of disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "quickly and accurately," ensuring they make progress from their starting points.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure that in all subjects, including writing, pupils receive teaching that is "consistently effective" so that they learn intended knowledge well.
- Trustees, leaders and governors should continue to embed strategies to support staff workload and wellbeing to ensure that all staff feel "appropriately supported and valued."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns being actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 49% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| 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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