North Walkden Primary School
Manchester, M28 3QD · Salford · primary school
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64th of 69 primary schools in Salford we can score, 76 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 — 2.6/10 against 1,463 of them, against 2.2/10 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 | 34.0 · 5 | 40% | 0.19 |
| Ofsted | 6 | 35% | 0.19 |
| 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.
North Walkden Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 34.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with a national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, matching the national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.2 out of 10 against all schools). An Ofsted inspection took place in April 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Front Row music club, and the school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 220 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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 below the expected standard in literacy? What specific areas did the April 2026 inspection highlight for improvement?
What Ofsted said about North Walkden Primary School
Overview
North Walkden Primary School is described as a “caring and happy school community” where pupils feel valued and behave very well. While the curriculum and teaching are at an “expected standard” with strong early years provision, the report identifies that some pupils, particularly disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs, do not achieve well enough by the end of Key Stage 2.
Strengths
- Staff teach effectively using an “ambitious new curriculum” that carefully builds knowledge and focuses on key vocabulary.
- Early years provision is effective, with children settling quickly and achieving well in phonics, writing, and mathematics.
- Pupils demonstrate “very positive attitudes to learning,” showing care for one another and following clear routines.
- Personal development is supported through a wide range of opportunities, including trips and clubs, fostering resilience and independence.
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an “open culture” ensuring pupils feel safe and concerns are actively managed.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must strengthen oversight of support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities to ensure it has the intended impact on achievement.
- Leaders should swiftly address barriers to attendance, which has declined and is below the national average.
- Leaders need to ensure gaps in learning from previous weaker provision are closed so pupils are fully prepared for secondary school.
Safeguarding
The report states that safeguarding standards are met, noting that leaders have established an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” and that pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 41% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 34% |
| 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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