Whiston Willis Primary Academy
Prescot, L35 2XY · Knowsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
11th of 48 primary schools in Knowsley we can score, 50 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 — 4.5/10 against 2,106 of them, against 3.8/10 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Whiston Willis Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 419 pupils against a stated capacity of 353. 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 available for pupils who do not reach the higher standard in maths? How does the breakfast club integrate with the morning curriculum for early arrivals?
What Ofsted said about Whiston Willis Primary Academy
Overview
Whiston Willis Primary Academy is described as a “happy, vibrant place” where pupils demonstrate “exemplary behaviour” and feel confident that their voices are heard. The inspection highlights a “highly ambitious and carefully constructed curriculum” that ensures pupils develop a “deep and rich understanding of concepts” across all subjects. Leaders and staff maintain high expectations, fostering an environment where pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, achieve exceptionally well.
Strengths
- The curriculum is meticulously organised, allowing knowledge to “build up logically over time” and enabling pupils to make “meaningful connections across the curriculum.”
- Staff deliver teaching with “confidence and flair,” using effective assessment strategies to address misconceptions and support pupils in becoming “increasingly independent learners.”
- A “love of reading” sits at the heart of the school, with staff selecting high-quality texts that help pupils expand their vocabulary and become “confident, fluent readers.”
- Personal development is exceptional, with pupils able to “articulately discuss and debate” a wide range of issues and understanding their right to form their own opinions.
- Early years provision is strong, with staff focusing sharply on developing children’s “communication and language skills” through purposeful interaction.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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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