Rivers Primary Academy
Walsall, WS3 1LY · Walsall · primary school
Check the area around this school
51st of 60 primary schools in Walsall we can score, 85 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 — 4.7/10 against 1,082 of them, against 3.5/10 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 | 54.0 · 26 | 40% | 1.03 |
| Ofsted | 8 | 35% | 0.27 |
| 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.
Rivers Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 54.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 463 pupils against a stated capacity of 459. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who have not reached the expected standard in maths? How does the new Ofsted framework affect the current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Rivers Primary Academy
Overview
Rivers Primary Academy is a school where leaders have established a clear direction and a "warm and inclusive culture" since their recent appointments. The report describes a setting where pupils feel "welcomed and safe," with strong foundations in early years and effective support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. While most aspects of the school meet the expected standard, there are specific areas requiring attention, particularly regarding writing standards and governance oversight.
Strengths
- Attendance is improving due to "targeted actions" like minibus pick-ups, with figures now "close to national figures for most pupils."
- Behaviour is positive; pupils are "polite and friendly," bullying is "rare," and staff use "restorative conversations" to support pupils.
- The curriculum is "broad and well-planned," with vocabulary teaching identified as a "strength" in Years 1 to 6.
- Early years provision is effective, with children making a "positive start" and staff building "effective partnerships" with parents.
- Inclusion is robust, with "highly personalised provision" in the ‘Oasis’ supporting pupils with complex needs.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must continue to improve pupils’ achievement in writing, specifically ensuring pupils develop "secure transcription and handwriting skills" to address gaps in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
- Leaders should build on current work to further strengthen the curriculum, teaching, and how staff adapt learning to meet pupils' needs.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns being "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 72% |
| 2023/24 | 82% |
| 2024/25 | 54% |
| 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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