Much Birch CofE Primary School
Hereford, HR2 8HL · Herefordshire, County of · primary school
Check the area around this school
44th of 72 primary schools in Herefordshire, County of we can score, 78 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 2,075 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.9/10 among them, against 5.2/10 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Much Birch CofE 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%. 8.0% reached the higher standard, compared to the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.9 out of 10 among them, against 5.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Art club and Origami club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 176 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 to progress from the expected to the higher standard? What specific strategies are used to improve outcomes for the small cohort achieving higher standards? How does the school maintain its Good rating while addressing the gap in similar-intake comparisons?
What Ofsted said about Much Birch CofE Primary School
Overview
Much Birch CofE Primary School is described as a "kind and caring school" where pupils feel safe and valued within a supportive community. Leaders balance academic achievement with personal development, fostering happy and motivated learners who demonstrate strong character and positive attitudes.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from "warm relationships" with staff and feel "accepted and noticed" in an inclusive environment.
- Early years provision is strong, with a curriculum "well matched to children’s interests and needs" and effective phonics teaching.
- There is a "wider love of reading" supported by a diverse book choice and precise support for vulnerable readers.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "increasingly well supported" and make good progress.
- Attendance has improved significantly, and pupils demonstrate positive behaviour, understanding bullying and knowing how to report it.
Areas to improve
- Mathematics teaching lacks opportunities for pupils to develop "verbal and written reasoning," preventing deeper understanding of concepts.
- In some subjects, learning sequences are not coherently planned or monitored, resulting in "disconnected" learning that does not build on prior knowledge.
- Some staff lack the necessary "subject-specific knowledge" to deliver disciplinary elements of the curriculum effectively, leading to activity-driven rather than knowledge-focused lessons.
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 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 64% |
| 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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