Mereside Church of England Primary Academy
Shrewsbury, SY2 6LE · Shropshire · primary school
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30th of 97 primary schools in Shropshire we can score, 127 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 — 5.1/10 against 4,208 of them, against 5.5/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Mereside Church of England Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council and District Athletics. Arts activities include the Year 6 production ‘The Wizard of Oz’, poetry performances, and the Benedetti Workshop. Trips are organised to Blists Hill and Arthog.
Getting in
The published school roll is 364 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 who are not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for children joining in the current entry year? How does the School Council influence decisions about the school’s curriculum and activities?
What Ofsted said about Mereside Church of England Primary Academy
Overview
Mereside Church of England Primary Academy is described as a "caring and supportive school that puts the pupils first," with "strong and trusting relationships between adults and pupils." While the overall judgement of 'good' remains unchanged following this ungraded inspection, the report notes that evidence suggests the grade "might not be as high if a graded (section 5) inspection were carried out now," triggering a future graded inspection.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a curriculum that "builds on what pupils have been taught previously," particularly in subjects like geography.
- A new phonics curriculum ensures pupils "learn and practise the sounds that are being taught" with well-matched books.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "fully included in all aspects of school life" with quick identification of needs.
- Staff are supported well, with leaders ensuring they "get the time they need to carry out their role."
- Pupils enjoy learning and take responsibility seriously through roles such as "school councillors, sports leaders and reading ambassadors."
Areas to improve
- Ensure all staff receive necessary support to teach phonics effectively, as current inconsistencies mean "some pupils do not make as much progress as they could."
- Provide activities across the curriculum that help pupils "remember more" over time, as some currently struggle to retain important knowledge.
- Adapt learning more closely for pupils with SEND in some subjects to ensure they "make as much progress as they could."
- Governors should develop a "secure understanding of the effectiveness of the school and its curriculum" to hold leaders fully to account.
Safeguarding
The report states that "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 | 54% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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