Star Academy, Sandyford
Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 5PT · Stoke-on-Trent · primary school
Check the area around this school
51st of 64 primary schools in Stoke-on-Trent we can score, 71 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 1.8/10 against 1,247 of them, against 1.6/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 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.
Star Academy, Sandyford 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%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (1.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in 2022.
Getting in
The published school roll is 128 pupils against a stated capacity of 195. 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 move from the expected standard to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are in place to address the gap between current results and the national median? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing these academic outcomes?
What Ofsted said about Star Academy, Sandyford
Overview
Leaders have created a “calm and inviting school” where pupils feel “safe and happy” and enjoy attending. The report highlights a strong sense of community, with staff and parents valuing the positive relationships and high expectations that underpin the school’s vision.
Strengths
- Pupils behave well, demonstrating “kindness” and respect, with bullying described as “rare”.
- Reading is a high priority, with effective support enabling early readers to “make progress and catch up”.
- Leaders identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) quickly, ensuring they “achieve well”.
- Attendance is high, supported by leaders who “track pupils’ attendance and act when needed”.
- Personal development is a strength, with pupils prepared for “life in modern Britain” through independence and extra-curricular activities.
Areas to improve
- New subject leaders require support and training to improve their skills in “monitoring how well their subjects are being taught”.
- Some staff do not teach the phonics programme fully as intended, with activities not “matched well enough” to pupils’ existing knowledge, hindering progress for some.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective”, with leaders prioritising safety, staff receiving up-to-date training, and concerns being raised and acted upon quickly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 38% |
| 2023/24 | 43% |
| 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
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 ST6 5PT, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT