Palace Fields Primary Academy
Runcorn, WA7 2QW · Halton · primary school
Check the area around this school
18th of 47 primary schools in Halton we can score, 49 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 — 6.9/10 against 1,236 of them, against 5.4/10 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 | 77.0 · 82 | 40% | 3.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Palace Fields Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 77.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join archery, fencing, rugby, judo, basketball, volleyball, tennis, athletics, football, and netball clubs. Arts and music options include dance, yoga, choir, and arts and crafts. Computing, library, board game, and homework clubs are also available. An after-school club provides wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 127 pupils against a stated capacity of 250. 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 standard to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for pupils who need help with homework or study skills? How does the school balance its wide range of clubs with academic time?
What Ofsted said about Palace Fields Primary Academy
Overview
Palace Fields Primary Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school is described as a community where pupils feel "happy and welcome" and have "strong relationships with staff." Leaders have sustained a good quality of education, with pupils achieving well and making strong gains in their learning.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a "calm and orderly environment" and are equipped with skills to resolve disputes.
- A new phonics programme is delivered effectively by well-trained staff, enabling pupils to read with confidence.
- The curriculum is "well-structured and coherent," allowing pupils to learn topics in depth and retain knowledge over time.
- Staff support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) effectively, both in mainstream classes and specially resourced provision.
- Attendance is high, and the school builds "supportive relationships with parents and carers."
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, staff do not check on pupils’ knowledge well enough, leading to gaps in long-term recall. The school should ensure it supports staff to identify and address these gaps more effectively.
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 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 48% |
| 2024/25 | 77% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of WA7 2QW, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT