Whirley Primary School
Macclesfield, SK10 3JL · Cheshire East · primary school
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40th of 114 primary schools in Cheshire East we can score, 124 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 the 2,369 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.1/10 among them, against 6.2/10 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% | 2.08 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Whirley 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%. A further 13.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.1 out of 10 among them, against 6.2 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 212 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
What support is available for pupils who have not reached the expected standard? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Whirley Primary School
Overview
Whirley Primary School continues to be a good school where pupils "thrive at this happy and harmonious school." Leaders have designed a "relevant and engaging curriculum" that is "ambitious for all pupils," resulting in high staff morale and strong parental regard. The inspection confirms that the school maintains high standards in behaviour, teaching, and pupil well-being.
Strengths
- Pupils feel safe, behave respectfully, and actively contribute to school life through roles such as school councillors and buddies.
- The curriculum is well-structured, with knowledge broken down into "smaller steps in a logical way" to support secure long-term learning.
- Staff teach early reading effectively, ensuring most pupils become "fluent and confident readers" through successful phonics delivery.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified quickly and supported to learn alongside classmates.
- Governors hold leaders to account effectively, and staff appreciate the support provided for manageable workloads and well-being.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure assessment systems are fully developed across all subjects, as they are currently at an "early stage of development" in a small number of areas, preventing an accurate overview of pupil progress over time.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" where staff are well trained to spot risks and work effectively with external agencies.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 61% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 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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