The Arches Community Primary School
Chester, CH1 5EZ · Cheshire West and Chester · primary school
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44th 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 — 6.8/10 against 881 of them, against 4.9/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Arches Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in football, tag rugby, basketball, indoor athletics, netball, kwik cricket, tennis, and rounders. Trips include visits to Delamere Forest, PGL Boreatton Park, London, and the pantomime. A girls' football team operates alongside a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 180 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 curriculum support pupils who are not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the school manage the transition for pupils moving from Year 6?
What Ofsted said about The Arches Community Primary School
Overview
The Arches Community Primary School is described as a "happy and welcoming" environment where pupils enjoy "kind and positive relationships" with staff. Leaders maintain high expectations, resulting in a "calm and purposeful atmosphere" where pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieve well across a broad curriculum.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "suitably broad and balanced," with leaders carefully sequencing key knowledge and vocabulary to ensure new learning builds logically on prior understanding.
- Phonics and early reading are prioritised with a "consistent approach" from Reception, ensuring pupils who find reading difficult receive effective support to "catch up quickly."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are identified in a "timely manner" and learn well alongside peers through skilful curriculum adaptations.
- Staff deal with bullying "swiftly and effectively," fostering an environment where pupils are "polite and respectful" and feel confident that staff will listen to their concerns.
- Governors provide an "appropriate level of challenge" to leaders, while staff value the consideration shown for their workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, assessment strategies are "less well developed," occasionally preventing staff from ensuring pupils’ earlier learning is secure.
- Some pupils lack sufficient opportunity to learn and revisit aspects of "fundamental British values," meaning they are not as prepared as they could be for life in a diverse society.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders ensuring it is "everyone’s priority" and staff having a secure understanding of local risks.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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