Merlin Top Primary Academy
Keighley, BD22 6HZ · Bradford · primary school
Check the area around this school
6th of 156 primary schools in Bradford we can score, 157 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 — 9.5/10 against 854 of them, against 8.3/10 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 | 82.0 · 90 | 40% | 3.62 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Merlin Top Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 82.0% 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 11.0% against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in November 2024.
Getting in
The published school roll is 343 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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
Since the last inspection was in November 2024, what specific improvements have been made since then? How does the school support pupils to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Merlin Top Primary Academy
Overview
Merlin Top Primary Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection, which judged the school outstanding for overall effectiveness. The report describes a school that offers a "calm, caring environment" underpinned by an "ethos of kindness," fostering a strong sense of belonging and safety for all pupils.
Strengths
- The curriculum is praised as a "window to the world," with staff skilfully connecting new concepts to prior learning and using "retrieval activities" to help pupils recall key facts.
- Pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve well, supported by "tailored support" and "thoughtfully planned support" for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- The school promotes high expectations and positive conduct, with pupils embodying core values of "respect, resilience, responsibility and reflection."
- Staff receive strong support regarding workload and well-being, contributing to a "real sense of partnership" between the school, the trust, and the community.
- Pupils benefit from a wide range of extra-curricular activities, such as forest school and community service, which develop essential life skills and empathy.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 70% |
| 2024/25 | 82% |
| 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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