Smallthorne Primary Academy
Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1PR · Stoke-on-Trent · primary school
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21st of 64 primary schools in Stoke-on-Trent we can score, 71 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 — 7.8/10 against 1,123 of them, against 6.2/10 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 17.0 · 87 | 25% | 2.18 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Smallthorne Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 17.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Multi-Skills, Craft, Makaton, Seasons Mindfulness, ICT Learning Games, Microbit/Scratch Computing, Dance, and Lego clubs. Sports include netball, while arts and music options cover Story-telling & Illustration, Comic Book, and Mindfulness Colouring. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 241 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
What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How are the computing and mindfulness clubs integrated into the weekly timetable?
What Ofsted said about Smallthorne Primary Academy
Overview
Smallthorne Primary Academy is described as a "very happy place to be" where pupils are "articulate, courteous and curious." The report highlights a "warm welcoming and vibrant" environment where staff maintain high expectations, resulting in pupils who "love their lessons" and produce work of a "high standard."
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate impressive social development and behaviour, with disruption being "rare" and rules applied "fairly and consistently."
- The school places a "great emphasis on reading," ensuring pupils who fall behind are supported to "catch up quickly" and fostering a "love of reading very early on."
- Pupils achieve well in mathematics, with the curriculum taught from the start and effective support provided for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Ambitious content in subjects such as art and physical education pushes pupils to "do their best," with pupils reporting they "‘love’ art."
- Parents "deeply appreciate the opportunities provided" and recognise the school’s "caring atmosphere" and the "approachable nature of staff."
Areas to improve
- In a "small number of subjects," the curriculum is not planned or sequenced well enough, meaning it does not outline what pupils need to know and when, leading to work that is "too easy or is repeated."
- The school does not always adapt the curriculum effectively enough for some pupils with SEND, preventing them from consistently making the progress they are capable of.
Safeguarding
The report states that "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 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 70% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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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