Willow Primary Academy
Gloucester, GL4 0JY · Gloucestershire · primary school
Check the area around this school
170th of 218 primary schools in Gloucestershire we can score, 241 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 — 2.9/10 against 1,154 of them, against 2.4/10 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 | 18.0 · 1 | 40% | 0.03 |
| 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.
Willow Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 18.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 9.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 211 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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 are below the expected standard in literacy? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in maths? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about Willow Primary Academy
Overview
Willow Primary Academy is described as a “caring and inclusive school” where pupils feel safe and behave well. Despite many children starting below expected levels, they achieve a “flying start” due to high expectations and a well-thought-out curriculum. The report notes that while published outcomes in key stage 2 are low, this does not reflect the high quality of education currently in place.
Strengths
- The curriculum is ambitious, with a strong focus on reading; staff are well trained in phonics, helping pupils build “confidence and fluency” from Reception.
- Staff share an “unwavering determination” to ensure all pupils reach their potential, supported by effective governors and trustees.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities achieve well, benefiting from a specially resourced provision described by parents as “a beacon of inclusivity and compassion”.
- The school fosters a positive environment where pupils are “visibly happy”, learn core values, and benefit from extra-curricular opportunities that develop resilience.
Areas to improve
- The school must embed and evaluate its approach to teaching writing in key stage 2, as pupils currently have gaps in knowledge leading to work that “lacks fluency and accuracy”.
- Assessment practices in some subjects are not fully developed, meaning leaders lack a clear picture of whether pupils have learned the curriculum as intended.
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 | 37% |
| 2023/24 | 34% |
| 2024/25 | 18% |
| 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 GL4 0JY, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT