Sandbrook Community Primary School
Rochdale, OL11 2LR · Rochdale · primary school
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50th of 55 primary schools in Rochdale we can score, 69 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 — 4.8/10 against 435 of them, against 3.0/10 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 | 51.0 · 21 | 40% | 0.83 |
| Ofsted | 1 | 35% | 0.03 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sandbrook Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 51.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 6.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. An Ofsted inspection in March 2026 used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access swimming and Rochdale AFC sports, a residential trip to Robinwood, and both breakfast and after-school clubs.
Getting in
The published school roll is 583 pupils against a stated capacity of 630. 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 bridge the gap between the 51.0% expected standard and the national median of 64%? What specific support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard, where 6.0% currently succeed?
What Ofsted said about Sandbrook Community Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are "keen to learn" and feel "cared for and safe," yet overall standards require improvement. Inspectors found that "teaching does not consistently help pupils enough to build on what they already know," resulting in gaps in knowledge and skills. Consequently, "some pupils leave school without the knowledge and skills they need to take their next steps."
Strengths
- The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility."
- The phonics programme is "successful" and "delivered with precision," with Year 1 results similar to national expectations.
- Staff build "strong relationships with pupils," helping maintain a "calm environment" where children settle well.
- Pupils show respect for others and take on leadership roles, such as school councillors.
- Leaders are "approachable and visible," and staff value the support and training provided.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure teaching is effective across all year groups so pupils "build knowledge and skills securely" and gaps are closed.
- Strategies for attendance and behaviour need strengthening, as persistent absence remains high and behaviour expectations are not applied consistently by all staff.
- Leaders and governors should improve their "strategic oversight" so that self-evaluation is accurate and governors can provide "meaningful challenge."
Safeguarding
The report states that "safeguarding standards are met," meaning leaders have established an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed, ensuring 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 | 44% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 51% |
| 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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