Widnes Academy
Widnes, WA8 0EL · Halton · primary school
Check the area around this school
27th of 47 primary schools in Halton we can score, 49 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 — 3.6/10 against 1,448 of them, against 3.0/10 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 | 43.0 · 11 | 40% | 0.42 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Widnes Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 43.0% 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 9.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 127 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
With 43.0% meeting expected standards, what specific support is available for children who need extra help in maths? What does a typical day look like for a child in Year 6?
What Ofsted said about Widnes Academy
Overview
Widnes Academy continues to be a good school, offering a "strong sense of community" where pupils feel "positive and secure." Leaders have designed a "broad, ambitious and interesting curriculum" that supports high expectations and effective safeguarding arrangements.
Strengths
- Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, "enjoy attending" and feel safe due to "kind and caring" staff who act "decisively" on bullying concerns.
- The curriculum is well-structured in most subjects, with leaders ensuring new ideas "build well on pupils’ previous learning."
- Reading is a high priority; "almost all pupils learn to read fluently and accurately by the end of Year 2" through a "clearly structured phonics programme."
- Staff are "well trained" in adapting teaching for pupils with SEND, ensuring they access the "same ambitious curriculum as their classmates."
- Leaders provide "meaningful opportunities to broaden their horizons," including visits from faith representatives and community police officers.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, essential knowledge and its sequence are "not made clear enough," risking the omission of important concepts.
- In one or two subjects, teachers do not always choose the "most appropriate teaching methods," hindering pupil achievement.
- A few staff do not consistently apply routines for learning behaviour, leading to "occasional disruption to their learning."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and leaders acting with urgency to address concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 43% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of WA8 0EL, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT