The Willows Primary School
Manchester, M22 1BQ · Manchester · primary school
Check the area around this school
65th of 123 primary schools in Manchester we can score, 137 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 — 5.2/10 against 749 of them, against 3.5/10 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.57 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.74 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Willows Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the School Action Team, Well-being Champions, Eco-Team, and Reading Buddies, and a breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 407 pupils against a stated capacity of 423. 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 expected standard in maths? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment from the 3.0% higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about The Willows Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils arrive “smiling and happy” and feel “safe, respected and cared for.” Leaders maintain high expectations, resulting in good behaviour and a curriculum that is “well-designed” and reflective of all pupils’ needs. The inspection highlights exceptional personal development, noting that pupils’ respect for one another “permeates the school.”
Strengths
- Personal development is promoted “exceptionally well,” with pupils developing a “wide-ranging understanding of different cultures and beliefs.”
- The curriculum is carefully sequenced, with opportunities to practise knowledge “skilfully woven through” subjects to aid retention.
- Staff are “very effective” in developing spoken language and fostering a “love of reading” from the early years.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive appropriate support to “learn effectively alongside their classmates.”
- Leaders nurture pupils’ social and emotional development, encouraging them to be “the very best version of themselves.”
Areas to improve
- Assessment information is not always used effectively, meaning “progress through the curriculum is hindered for some pupils.”
- Leaders must ensure teachers use assessment data effectively so that “all pupils achieve as well as they should across the curriculum.”
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with staff described as “extremely vigilant” and quick to recognise changes in pupils’ behaviour or welfare.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 46% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| 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 M22 1BQ, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT