The Acorns Primary and Nursery School
Ellesmere Port, CH65 7ED · Cheshire West and Chester · primary school
Check the area around this school
61st of 117 primary schools in Cheshire West and Chester we can score, 129 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 — 4.9/10 against 1,246 of them, against 3.8/10 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 40% | 1.18 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Acorns Primary and Nursery School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in gymnastics and school swimming, with both breakfast and after-school clubs available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 356 pupils against a stated capacity of 394. 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 below the national median in core subjects? What specific activities are included in the after-school provision?
What Ofsted said about The Acorns Primary and Nursery School
Overview
The inspection confirms that The Acorns Primary and Nursery School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils are described as happy, polite, and respectful, thriving in a school environment characterised as a ‘haven’ where they are listened to and appreciated. The school maintains high aspirations for achievement, with pupils typically performing well and demonstrating pride in their work.
Strengths
- The curriculum is high-quality and provides well for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with additional needs identified swiftly.
- Early years provision is strong, with staff building ‘warm and nurturing’ relationships that help children settle quickly and become ‘confident learners’.
- Phonics teaching is delivered effectively, ensuring most pupils become ‘accurate and fluent readers’ in readiness for key stage 2.
- Attendance has improved through effective action, with classrooms described as ‘orderly and calm’ to support focus.
- The ‘Acorns to Oak Trees’ programme successfully broadens pupils’ horizons and raises aspirations for future success.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, staff do not choose the most appropriate learning activities to deliver the intended curriculum content, meaning important knowledge is overlooked and pupils do not learn as well as they could.
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 | 47% |
| 2023/24 | 39% |
| 2024/25 | 56% |
| 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 CH65 7ED, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT