Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School
Littleborough, OL15 0ES · Rochdale · primary school
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35th 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 the 3,647 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.1/10 among them, against 2.7/10 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 40% | 1.47 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.1 out of 10 among them, against 2.7 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the choir and attend Young Voices trips. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 402 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
How does the school support pupils to progress from the expected to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to improve reading outcomes for the cohort? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School
Overview
The report states that the school strives to encourage pupils to be "confident, aim high and be happy in all aspects of school life." It highlights that pupils feel "happy and safe" and trust staff, with many leaving "well prepared for their next stage of education." The inspection notes that the school has high expectations for behaviour and provides a broad curriculum, though some inconsistencies remain in curriculum planning and behaviour reinforcement.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "carefully organised" across most subjects, with clear identification of key knowledge to help pupils build understanding over time.
- Staff receive "appropriate training" to develop subject knowledge and effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Early years staff are "skilled at supporting children’s language development," delivering phonics consistently so many pupils become "fluent and confident readers."
- Pupils engage in a "broad range of opportunities" including multicultural festivals and visits to places of worship, fostering empathy and understanding of global cultures.
- Governors provide "effective support and challenge," while staff value the consideration taken regarding their workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- The school must "finalise its curriculum thinking" in a small number of subjects where key knowledge is not fully identified, preventing effective knowledge building.
- Staff must consistently reinforce and model the school’s "high expectations of behaviour" to ensure all pupils follow routines effectively.
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 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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