Shibden Head Primary Academy
Bradford, BD13 2ND · Bradford · primary school
Check the area around this school
107th of 156 primary schools in Bradford we can score, 157 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 4,298 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.3/10 among them, against 2.4/10 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 | 51.0 · 21 | 40% | 0.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Shibden Head Primary Academy 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%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.3 out of 10 among them, against 2.4 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 401 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 strategies are used to raise attainment in maths? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating in daily practice?
What Ofsted said about Shibden Head Primary Academy
Overview
Shibden Head Primary Academy is rated ‘Good’ across all inspection categories. Leaders have created a calm, orderly environment where pupils are ‘safe, respectful and responsible’ and aim to ‘be the best that they can be’. The school benefits from ‘excellent relationships between staff, pupils and families’ and a ‘vibrant curriculum’ that fosters high attendance and positive attitudes towards learning.
Strengths
- Pupils display ‘positive attitudes towards their learning’ and feel ‘happy, safe and secure’, with bullying being ‘extremely rare’.
- The curriculum is ‘ambitious’ and ‘memorable’, helping pupils achieve well and talk in depth about their learning across subjects.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are ‘well supported’ and study the same topics as their peers.
- Leaders prioritise reading, resulting in pupils who ‘talk with passion about their favourite books’ and confidently quote stories.
- The early years provision offers a ‘positive start’, with routines that support children to become ‘confident and independent learners’.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure stronger oversight of curriculum delivery, as teaching quality varies between subjects and classes, with some areas like religious education less embedded than others.
- Leaders should review the implementation of the phonics programme to remove distractions in the learning environment that currently limit effectiveness for some pupils.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with staff receiving regular training and understanding that safeguarding is ‘everyone’s responsibility’.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 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
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 BD13 2ND, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT