West Didsbury CE Primary School
Manchester, M20 4ZA · Manchester · primary school
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15th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 7.9/10 against 4,299 of them, against 7.9/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 40% | 2.93 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 17.0 · 87 | 25% | 2.18 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
West Didsbury CE 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%. The higher standard was reached by 17.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.9 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Rattle & Roll music & drama, Robotics, Art Club, and Lego Club. Sports include gymnastics, dance, football, archery, mini golf, skateboarding, and basketball. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 402 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the Rattle & Roll club?
What Ofsted said about West Didsbury CE Primary School
Overview
West Didsbury CE Primary School continues to be a good school, offering a "supportive and welcoming school community" where pupils "play and learn happily together." Leaders have designed a "broad, ambitious and stimulating curriculum" that ensures pupils, including those with special educational needs, achieve well and feel safe.
Strengths
- Pupils "behave extremely well" and "treat each other with consideration," building strong relationships with caring staff.
- Reading is a clear priority; a "clearly structured phonics programme" ensures "almost all pupils learn to read fluently and accurately by the end of Year 2."
- Staff are "well trained in tailoring their teaching approaches," enabling pupils with SEND to access the same "ambitious curriculum" as their classmates.
- Governors are "ambitious for the school" and hold leaders to account for the quality of education.
- Staff feel part of a "supportive community," appreciating that leaders are "approachable and considerate of their workload."
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, leaders must ensure staff are clear about "essential knowledge and vocabulary" so teachers can check if prior learning is secure.
- Some subject leaders lack the expertise to ensure curriculum content is "progressive and coherent," causing misconceptions; they must be equipped to design curriculums that "build logically from the Reception Year to the end of Year 6."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training to remain alert to signs of risk and following clear procedures to report concerns promptly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 80% |
| 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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