St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Hawkshaw
Bolton Road, Hawkshaw, Bury, BL8 4JL · Bury · primary school
Check the area around this school
5th of 55 primary schools in Bury we can score, 64 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 2,954 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.1/10 among them, against 6.8/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 62% | 3.03 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 27.0 · 97 | 38% | 3.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Hawkshaw overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, matching the national median of 64%. A higher 27.0% achieved the higher standard, compared to the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.1 out of 10 among them, against 6.8 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Choir, Dodge ball club, Art Club, Pokémon Club, Zumba Club, Football Club, Revision Club, ICT Club, Multi Skills, and Tennis Club. The school also provides a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 99 pupils against a stated capacity of 118. 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 who are not yet meeting the expected standard in core subjects? What specific activities are included in the Multi Skills sessions? How does the school manage the transition for pupils moving from Year 6?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Hawkshaw
Overview
St Mary’s Church of England Primary School is described as a place with a "real togetherness" underpinned by values of "love, joy, hope, friendship, trust and faith." The report highlights that staff have an "unwavering commitment" to ensuring all pupils succeed, resulting in a calm, orderly environment where pupils are "respectful, well-mannered, polite and courteous." While most aspects of the school are judged as Good, the early years provision requires improvement due to inconsistencies in curriculum planning.
Strengths
- The school prioritises reading, using "high-quality texts" and a consistent phonics programme so that "most pupils learn to read well and fluently."
- Pupils benefit from "high-quality care" and feel "very secure" because adults know them well and provide effective support.
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," with a "well-structured" personal, social, relationships, health and economic education programme.
- Leaders have designed an "impressive programme to develop pupils’ character," including roles like ‘planet protectors’ and school councillors.
- Governors provide "effective support and challenge," and staff morale is good with mindful attention to workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- Ensure staff receive necessary phonics training to support pupils who struggle to read, as current gaps hinder their progress towards fluency.
- Establish essential knowledge and vocabulary in subjects where the curriculum order is underdeveloped, so pupils can build secure knowledge over time.
- Clearly identify the precise knowledge and skills required in the early years curriculum to ensure activities align with learning needs and support progression.
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 | 76% |
| 2023/24 | 83% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| 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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