Willow Tree Primary School
Salford, M6 5TJ · Salford · primary school
Check the area around this school
45th of 69 primary schools in Salford we can score, 76 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 — 5.0/10 against 1,329 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 | 62.0 · 44 | 62% | 2.68 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 38% | 1.13 |
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, 62.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0%, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access a breakfast club and after-school club, alongside Multi-Sports, Homework and Youth Clubs. Sporting options include football, ju jitsu, swimming, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and outdoor adventurous activities.
Getting in
The published school roll is 469 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. 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 activities are included in the outdoor adventurous programme?
What Ofsted said about Willow Tree Primary School
Overview
Willow Tree Primary School is described as a place where pupils are "polite, charismatic and friendly" and "relish their education." The report highlights an "enthusiastic, friendly and purposeful atmosphere" where children behave exceptionally well and show high levels of self-management. The school is "focused and driven" in providing a high-quality education, with many pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, meeting high aspirations for academic and social success.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "exemplary behaviours" and are "respectful and courteous," with older pupils supporting younger ones during lunch times.
- Reading is placed "front and centre" of the curriculum, with staff teaching phonics well so many pupils become "fluent and competent readers" by Year 2.
- The school has "significantly reduced" persistent absence, keeping attendance as an "extremely high priority" with effective support for families.
- Personal development is supported through a "thoughtfully considered programme" that includes online safety, community engagement, and opportunities to develop talents.
- Governors provide "effective challenge and support" through a "reflective and analytical approach," while the school is "highly supportive of staff’s well-being."
Areas to improve
- Staff must identify and address spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors in pupils’ written work to prevent misconceptions from persisting.
- The school should refine the teaching of handwriting and letter formation to ensure pupils develop "automaticity" and produce legible writing.
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 | 47% |
| 2023/24 | 51% |
| 2024/25 | 62% |
| 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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