Willow Tree Primary School
Liverpool, L36 1XH · Knowsley · primary school
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32nd 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 — 3.2/10 against 501 of them, against 2.2/10 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 40% | 1.18 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Willow Tree Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join the School Council, Reading Ambassadors, Eco Committee, Safety Squad, Wellbeing Crew, Sports Leaders, Healthy Schools Team, and Caring in the Community Team. They participate in swimming, sports games, and sports days. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 176 pupils against a stated capacity of 201. 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 maths? What specific strategies are used to help children reach the higher standard? How are the various pupil-led committees structured to ensure meaningful student input?
What Ofsted said about Willow Tree Primary School
Overview
Willow Tree Primary School is described as a thriving institution where the motto ‘Small school, big heart’ is evident in its community-focused approach. Leaders have successfully improved the quality of education since joining the Vantage Academy Trust, resulting in a school where pupils are polite, keen to learn, and feel safe. The report highlights strong leadership, effective teaching, and a positive culture that supports both academic progress and personal development.
Strengths
- Pupils are ‘polite and friendly’ and ‘keen to share their insights’, demonstrating good behaviour and attitudes.
- Reading instruction is effective, with staff using ‘expert phonic knowledge’ and more pupils meeting the Year 1 phonic screening check.
- Personal development is promoted well through ‘activity residentials’, museum visits, and a school council that encourages pupils to ‘speak out’.
- The curriculum is well-designed, particularly in music and physical education, where specialist coaches help pupils ‘read music notation’ and play instruments.
- Staff have a ‘strong culture of safeguarding’, with rigorous record-keeping and close monitoring of pupil welfare.
Areas to improve
- Leaders and staff should agree on how to improve pupils’ handwriting, as younger pupils do not form letters correctly and older pupils lack legibility.
- Leaders should continue to work with pupils to ensure they attend school more regularly, as some attendance rates are not as high as they should be.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being alert to changes in pupil behaviour and quick to offer support.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 56% |
| 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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