The Willows Primary School
Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7JY · Stoke-on-Trent · primary school
Check the area around this school
10th 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.2/10 against 2,826 of them, against 7.3/10 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 | 73.0 · 73 | 62% | 4.51 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 38% | 2.84 |
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, 73.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 12.0% against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 689 pupils against a stated capacity of 690. 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
With the school at near-capacity, how does the admissions process handle applications when places are limited? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the higher standard in core subjects? What specific trips or clubs are available for Year 6 pupils this term?
What Ofsted said about The Willows Primary School
Overview
The Willows Primary School is described as a "warm and nurturing school where pupils thrive," with a vision to "Explore, dream and discover." The report highlights that pupils are happy, feel safe, and benefit from a broad curriculum and diverse enrichment programme.
Strengths
- Personal development is "exceptionally well considered," helping pupils develop "high levels of understanding and tolerance for different beliefs and cultures."
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," with teachers having "secure subject knowledge" and applying agreed teaching approaches with increasing consistency.
- Reading is a priority; staff deliver the phonics programme "consistently well" and help pupils develop a "love of reading."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) benefit from "strong relationships with staff" who adapt the curriculum effectively.
- The governing body assures itself of effectiveness well, and staff receive "regular and valued training and well-being initiatives."
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure assessment is used effectively in all subjects to consistently identify how well pupils develop knowledge over time, particularly for those with SEND.
- Children in the early years need more opportunities to engage in activities promoting physical development, as they are "not continuing to develop as well as they could."
- Staff in the early years must improve how they check children’s achievement to plan next steps in learning.
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 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 73% |
| 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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