Willow Primary School
Doncaster, DN4 7EZ · Doncaster · primary school
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9th of 88 primary schools in Doncaster we can score, 98 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 — 8.6/10 against 4,169 of them, against 8.6/10 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 | 79.0 · 86 | 40% | 3.43 |
| 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.
Willow Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 79.0% 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 (8.6 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Willow's Den Activity Club, Friday Film Club, and Activ8 Multisports. The school also provides a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 417 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 expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the Activ8 Multisports programme? How does the school manage the transition for children moving from Year 6?
What Ofsted said about Willow Primary School
Overview
Willow Primary School is described as a place where staff, leaders and pupils live the school values and “ASPIRE to be the best they can be every day”. The report states that recent changes made by leaders are “making a significant and positive difference to the lives of pupils”. Overall, the school provides a high-quality education with strong behaviour, personal development and leadership.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from an “ambitious curriculum” and teachers receive regular training to deliver it effectively.
- Reading is taught with “precision and consistency”, with phonics starting from Reception and quick support for those needing extra help.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “well supported in their learning” through clear identification systems and precise adaptations.
- The early years provision offers a “strong start to their education” in a “calm, orderly and purposeful” environment.
- Leaders have created a “sophisticated plan for pupils’ personal development”, including opportunities for leadership and understanding of global issues.
Areas to improve
- Lesson structures are not always used efficiently to “re-cap and embed previously taught knowledge”, missing opportunities to check understanding or close learning gaps.
- Leaders should ensure clarity for teachers on which knowledge is “re-visited and prioritised within the lesson structures across the curriculum”.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, supported by a strong culture of training, robust recording systems and staff determination to engage other professionals to support pupils and families.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 79% |
| 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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