South Failsworth Community Primary School
Manchester, M35 0NY · Oldham · primary school
Check the area around this school
42nd of 71 primary schools in Oldham we can score, 86 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 3,685 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.5/10 among them, against 2.3/10 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 | 52.0 · 22 | 40% | 0.88 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
South Failsworth Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 52.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 2.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.5 out of 10 among them, against 2.3 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access football, cross country, dodgeball, multi skills, dance, swimming, guitar, ukulele, and choir. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 441 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
With the roll exceeding capacity by 21, how does the school manage class sizes for new entrants? How does the curriculum support pupils who are below the national median in literacy? What specific support is offered to help children reach the higher standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about South Failsworth Community Primary School
Overview
Pupils “flourish” at this “warm and friendly” school, where they are “celebrated as individuals” and feel “valued and happy.” The inspection highlights an “aspirational curriculum” and “exceptional programme for personal development” that prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain. While most subjects are taught effectively, the report identifies specific areas regarding subject leadership and governance information that require attention.
Strengths
- The curriculum is carefully designed, with staff using “well-established strategies” to help pupils embed knowledge into their “long-term memory.”
- Reading is placed “at the forefront,” with a “well embedded” early reading curriculum ensuring most pupils become “confident, fluent readers” by key stage 2.
- There are “highly effective systems” to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including helpful adaptations.
- Personal development is outstanding, with pupils demonstrating “high levels of respect” for diverse backgrounds and engaging in community work and outdoor learning.
- Staff feel “well supported” by the school, which prioritises their well-being when introducing changes.
Areas to improve
- The governing body must ensure the school provides “clear, specific and precise information” so governors can effectively hold leaders to account.
- The school should develop expertise in subject leadership for a small number of subjects to ensure teachers receive the necessary guidance to deliver the curriculum 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 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 52% |
| 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 M35 0NY, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT