Waterside Primary School
Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3JS · Stoke-on-Trent · primary school
Check the area around this school
16th 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 — 5.9/10 against 2,414 of them, against 5.0/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 40% | 1.97 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| 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.
Waterside Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, matching the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, also equal to the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in November 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join the Red2Blue club, participate in Sports Week and the BeeActives Sports Fun Event, and perform with Young Voices. Trips include visits to Blist Hill, Wicked in London, and Brampton Museum. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 473 pupils against a stated capacity of 360. 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 manage class sizes when operating significantly above its designated capacity? What specific support is provided for pupils who do not reach the expected standard in core subjects? How are places allocated for new entrants given the current over-capacity status?
What Ofsted said about Waterside Primary School
Overview
Waterside Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection, which judged it outstanding for overall effectiveness. The report confirms that the school continues to provide a high-quality education, with pupils achieving great academic success and thriving in a vibrant learning environment.
Strengths
- The curriculum is described as ‘rich and diverse’, enabling pupils to develop aspirations and achieve their potential through ‘intentional and purposeful links across subjects’.
- Staff provide ‘effective support’ for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they work alongside peers and achieve high standards.
- Teaching strategies, such as using models in mathematics and daily phonics lessons, help pupils ‘learn the curriculum securely’ and read with confidence.
- Pupils demonstrate ‘maturity and respect’ in their relationships, feeling safe and happy while taking pride in roles that support the well-being of others.
- The school’s work to develop character is ‘exemplary’, fostering resilience and a positive mindset through initiatives like the pupil parliament and community contributions.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
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 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| 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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