Smithdown Primary School
Liverpool, L7 6LJ · Liverpool · primary school
Check the area around this school
37th of 104 primary schools in Liverpool we can score, 114 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 — 5.1/10 against 912 of them, against 3.7/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| Ofsted | 91 | 35% | 3.19 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Smithdown Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 10.0% against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.7 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in January 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 484 pupils against a stated capacity of 450. 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
With 50.0% meeting expected standards, what specific support is available for pupils who need to close that gap? How does the new Ofsted framework influence the school’s current improvement priorities?
What Ofsted said about Smithdown Primary School
Overview
Smithdown Primary School provides a high-quality education where leaders are ambitious for all pupils, particularly those with additional needs. The school fosters a "calm, orderly and respectful culture" where pupils feel safe, valued, and included. While attendance, behaviour, and personal development are strong, teaching consistency and writing skills require further development to ensure pupils reach expected standards in national tests.
Strengths
- Leaders have created a "calm, orderly and respectful culture" where bullying is rare and pupils behave well.
- The early years provision is highly effective, with staff using "high-quality interactions" to develop communication and language.
- Inclusion is a priority; leaders ensure every pupil can "take part fully in school life" with timely, targeted support.
- Staff morale is high, with a "strong team ethos" supported by effective professional development and governance.
- Pupils develop strong personal wellbeing, learning to "regulate their emotions" through effective pastoral support.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure teaching across the wider curriculum builds sufficiently on prior learning to deepen pupils' understanding.
- Leaders must strengthen the teaching of writing so pupils apply spelling, handwriting, and sentence skills accurately.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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