Smallwood CofE Primary School
Sandbach, CW11 2UR · Cheshire East · primary school
Check the area around this school
93rd of 114 primary schools in Cheshire East we can score, 124 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 3,204 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.7/10 among them, against 2.0/10 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 | 43.0 · 11 | 40% | 0.42 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Smallwood CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 43.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.7 out of 10 among them, against 2.0 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Music Club, the school orchestra, and choir, while participating in the Daily mile and Golden mile. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 178 pupils against a stated capacity of 140. 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 curriculum support pupils who are working below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about Smallwood CofE Primary School
Overview
Smallwood CofE Primary School continues to be a good school, offering a "warm and nurturing" environment where pupils feel welcome. Leaders have implemented an "ambitious and well designed" curriculum that supports effective learning, though some inconsistencies remain in addressing specific skill gaps.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy "warm and nurturing relationships" with staff and peers, describing the school as a "family where everyone is welcome".
- The curriculum is delivered in "small, well-ordered steps" that help pupils build effectively on prior learning.
- Staff are well trained to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), who "achieve well from their starting points".
- Early reading is strong, with staff successfully delivering the phonics programme and ensuring pupils practise reading from books containing sounds they know.
- Staff workload is managed effectively through reduced marking expectations and regular "Well-being Wednesdays".
Areas to improve
- Teachers must address weaknesses in some pupils’ "written communication skills" and "lack of fluency with number" more effectively to ensure necessary foundations for complex learning.
- The school should ensure recent changes to a small number of curriculums have the desired impact, helping pupils link earlier learning with new content so they "know more and remember more in the longer term".
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 | 74% |
| 2023/24 | 90% |
| 2024/25 | 43% |
| 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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