All the best Ofsted ratings for primary schools in Warrington

The important decision is not one taken lightly by mums and dads, who are allowed to select three preferences of schools they would like their child to attend.

And Warrington Borough Council will be among the local authorities to announce the allocation of places for each of the primary schools across town.

In light of this, we have done a roundup of the most recent Ofsted gradings for all the primary schools in Warrington.

Grading ranges from Inadequate being the lowest to Outstanding being the highest rating.

St Alban’s Catholic Primary School – ‘Good’

This Bewsey Road school was rated good by Ofsted during an inspection in May 2023.

An inspector said: “Pupils flourish at St Alban’s. They benefit from the support of skilled and caring staff, who know them well. Children quickly settle in the early years. They learn to listen to their teachers and follow well-established routines.”

Christ Church CofE Primary School Padgate – ‘Good’

Based on Station Road in Padgate, Christ Church was rated good during an inspection in September 2023.

The report began: “Pupils flourish at Christ Church CofE Primary School. The school has high expectations of pupils’ achievement. Typically, pupils achieve well.

“This is because they are well supported by skilled and caring staff who understand the individual and additional needs that pupils may have.”

St Paul of the Cross Catholic Primary School – ‘Good’

The Milnthorpe Road school was last inspected in July 2021 where it was rated good.

An inspector said: “Pupils feel happy at St Paul of the Cross. Those pupils who spoke with inspectors said that they enjoy coming to school and that they feel part of the community. Pupils work hard and develop resilience in their learning.”

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School – ‘Good’

Located on Selby Street, Sacred Heart was inspected in December 2022.

The report began: “Pupils love coming to this school. From the Reception class to Year 6, pupils enjoy learning because leaders have thought carefully about how to make their learning relevant and engaging.

“Pupils know that teachers expect them to work hard. They rise to these high expectations. Pupils learn well in all subjects and years.”

Alderman Bolton Primary School – ‘Good’

This school in Latchford school was last inspected in October 2022.

An inspector said: “Pupils, and children in the early years, are happy and safe in school. They value the opportunities that they have to talk with a trusted adult. Leaders have created warm and welcoming spaces where pupils can go if they have any worries or concerns.”

Appleton Thorn Primary School – ‘Outstanding’

Located on Arley Road, Appleton Thorn’s last full inspection was conducted in 2010 and was given the highest grading.

The school became part of the Challenge Academy Trust and converted to academy status in April last year.

The last report began: “This is an outstanding school. The driving force in its success is excellent leadership.

“A description of this that sums up typical views of parents and carers who responded to the pre-inspection questionnaire is, 'dynamic and reflective leaders with a real sense of vision for the school's long and mid-term future'.”

Barrow Hall Community Primary School – ‘Outstanding’

Based on Sophia Drive in Great Sankey, this primary school was graded the highest grading by Ofsted during an inspection in July 2023.

A report began: “Children in early years, and pupils in key stages 1 and 2, excel in their learning and prosper at Barrow Hall Community Primary School. They live up to leaders’ high expectations. Pupils achieve exceptionally well and become confident, articulate learners.”

Beamont Primary School – ‘Good’

This O’Leary Street school was rated good during its last inspection by Ofsted in October 2022.

In a report, an inspector said: “Pupils are happy members of this encouraging school community.

“They get on well together and make lots of friends. Pupils benefit from the strong relationships that they forge with staff. They know that staff care about them.”

Bewsey Lodge Primary School – ‘Good’

This Bewsey primary was last inspected in October 2021 and was rated good.

An inspector said: “Each morning, pupils arrive enthusiastically at Bewsey Lodge Primary School. They are keen to learn with their friends. Teachers know their pupils well. They provide highly effective support to pupils.

“Pupils have the confidence and resilience to try new things. They achieve well in all aspects of the curriculum.”

Birchwood CofE Primary School – ‘Good’

This school located on Admirals Road in Birchwood was last inspected by Ofsted in January 2020.

An inspector said: “The new headteacher has transformed this school. Pupils now get a good deal. They are at the heart of everything that the school does. Pupils feel safe and are happy. They skip into school at the start of the school day with happy, smiley faces.”

Bradshaw Community Primary School – ‘Good’

Located on Bradshaw Lane, this Grappenhall school continues to be good, according to a short inspection given by Ofsted in February 2019.

The school has since been converted to academy status recently this month (April).

A letter from Ofsted inspector Tanya Hughes said: “This school continues to be good. The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection. Bradshaw Community Primary School is a welcoming and friendly school in which pupils are happy, ready to learn and attend regularly.

“Pupils behave well and show positive attitudes to learning.”

Bruche Primary School Academy – ‘Good’

Located on Seymour Drive, Padgate, this school continues to be good according to an inspection by Ofsted in November 2022.

An inspector said: “Pupils are proud to attend Bruche Primary School. They value being part of a happy and welcoming school community.

“Pupils spoke about the many things that they like about their school. These include supporting charities and the ‘big questions’ that they discuss each week. Pupils told inspectors that this is an exciting place to learn.”

Burtonwood Community Primary School – ‘Good’

This school was graded good during its most recent inspection back in May 2023.

An inspector said: “Pupils feel safe and happy in this school. They have a clear understanding of what constitutes bullying. On the occasions when bullying occurs, leaders deal with it swiftly and effectively.”

Callands Community Primary School – ‘Outstanding’

Located on Callands Road, this primary school received a non-graded inspection in June 2023 where it was determined to still be outstanding but that the next graded inspection may not result in a grade as high.

An inspector said: “At Callands Community Primary School, leaders and staff support pupils to develop into confident and articulate young people. Pupils say that they love school and describe it as fun.

“However, in a few subjects, pupils do not achieve as well as they could. This is because there is a lack of clarity about the key knowledge that pupils should learn.”

 

 

 

Chapelford Village Primary School – ‘Good’

Based on Santa Rosa Boulevard, Great Sankey, continues to be a good school according to an Ofsted inspection in March 2022.

“Pupils, including children in the early years, are happy to belong to this vibrant school community. They behave well and make lots of friends. Pupils said that the staff are kind and encouraging. This helps pupils to feel safe.”

Cinnamon Brow CofE Primary School – ‘Good’

Based on Perth Close, Cinnamon Brow School received a rating of good in their previous inspection dating back to September 2021.

An inspector said: “Pupils at Cinnamon Brow, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are happy and enjoy their time at the school.

“Children in the early years, including two-year-olds, settle quickly and learn successfully because of the knowledgeable, gentle support of staff.”

The Cobbs Infant and Nursery School – ‘Good’

This Wood Lane school was last graded good in an inspection in April 2022.

The report began: “Pupils said that this is a happy school where they love to learn and be with their friends. This is no surprise as the school’s positive values and warm and friendly relationships are at the heart of The Cobbs.

“Pupils feel safe and value the highly supportive, welcoming environment. They know that staff care about them. Pupils trust staff to help them when they need support.”

Croft Primary School – ‘Good’

Located on Mustard Lane in Croft, this school was graded good by Ofsted back in July 2023.

A report began: “Pupils are very happy to attend this warm and welcoming village school. Pupils said that they have fun while learning. Leaders support pupils to develop into well-rounded citizens of the future.”

Dallam Community Primary School – ‘Good’

Inspected back in June 2023, this Boulting Avenue school was rated good by Ofsted.

An inspector said: “This school is at the heart of the community. Pupils benefit from positive relationships with staff, who know them well. They feel valued, happy and safe. They arrive each day excited and eager to learn. They join in with learning activities enthusiastically.”

Evelyn Street Community Primary School – ‘Outstanding’

This primary school was rated outstanding in its last official inspection back in 2011. Since then it has converted to academy status and has joined the Warrington Primary Academy Trust.

A report began: “Evelyn Street Community Primary School is an outstanding school. Pupils, staff, parents and carers are unfailingly proud of their school. They work as a highly cohesive unit continually to drive improvement.

“The school’s innovative curriculum makes an excellent contribution to pupils’ outstanding personal development and learning.”

Glazebury CofE (Aided) Primary School – ‘Good’

This primary school in Glazebury was rated good by Ofsted in June 2015.

An inspector said: “Provision in the early years is good. Children achieve well from their different starting points. Well-planned activities help them to develop their skills quickly. As a result of improvements in the quality of teaching, pupils make good progress across the school.”

Gorse Covert Primary School – ‘Good’

This Birchwood school was last inspected back in June 2023.

The report began: “Pupils said that Gorse Covert Primary School is a happy and safe place to learn. They are warmly welcomed each morning by staff. Pupils said that adults really care for their well-being.”

Great Sankey Primary School – ‘Good’

Located on Liverpool Road, Great Sankey Primary was last inspected in September 2021.

An inspector said: “Pupils enjoy attending Great Sankey Primary School. They told the inspector that they would not change anything about the school because teachers make learning fun.

“Pupils listen to adults and behave very well. They are kind to each other and trust staff to keep them safe. On the rare occasions when bullying happens, pupils report it, and teachers deal with it immediately. Pupils said that they feel happy and safe at school.”

Latchford C Of E Primary School – ‘Good’

This Old Road school was rated good back in October 2022.

A report said: “This is a welcoming and friendly school. The pupils who spoke with inspectors said that they enjoy attending this school and they feel safe. Pupils said that they have lots of friends and that adults help them with any concerns.”

Locking Stumps Community Primary School – ‘Good’

This school in Birchwood was rated good back in February 2022.

An inspector said: “This is a happy and friendly school where pupils form strong relationships with staff and enjoy learning with their friends.

“Pupils learn about different forms of discrimination. This develops their awareness of the harmful impact of unacceptable behaviour such as racism and homophobic bullying. Staff do not tolerate bullying or unkind behaviour.

“Pupils know that adults will deal with any issues that arise quickly and effectively.”

Oakwood Avenue Community Primary School – ‘Good’

This primary was last inspected in January 2024, having converted to academy status.

The report began: “Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), at Oakwood Avenue Primary School thrive in all aspects of their development. The ‘Oaky values’ run like a golden thread through all parts of school life. Pupils, and children in the early years, come into school with smiles on their faces, happy to see their friends and the staff.”

Our Lady's Catholic Primary School – ‘Good’

Based on Wash Lane, this primary school continues to be good according to its latest inspection dating back to February 2022.

An inspector said: “Our Lady’s is a happy and friendly community. Pupils said that they love attending this school because they have lots of friends and that everyone is welcome. They also said that staff care for them and look after them well if they have any problems. This makes them feel safe.”

Park Road Community Primary School – ‘Good’

This Wroxham Road school continues to be good, according to an inspection dating back to April 2022.

The report began: “Pupils enjoy attending this school. They arrive each day with a positive attitude. They are excited to learn. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong.

“This helps pupils to feel happy and safe. Leaders have high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and learning. This starts in the early years, where children are taught new knowledge and clear routines.”

Penketh Primary School – ‘Good’

Back in March 2023, Penketh Primary was inspected by Ofsted and graded good.

A report began: “Pupils enjoy coming to school. They are proud to demonstrate the school values of kindness, respect, responsibility and resilience in all that they do. Pupils are kind and considerate towards others.

“All staff take good care of pupils. Staff take the time to listen to any worries or concerns that pupils may have. Leaders deal with any incidents of unkindness or bullying quickly and well. Consequently, pupils are happy and safe at school.”

Penketh South Community Primary School – ‘Good’

This Finlay Avenue school in Penketh was rated good by Ofsted in September 2022. This school joined the Challenge Academy Trust.

An inspector said: “Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well. This is because leaders and staff are ambitious for pupils, and they help them to do their best. Leaders provide pupils, including children in early years, with a worthwhile curriculum.”

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School – ‘Good’

Inspected back in December 2022, Sacred Heart continues to be a good school according to Ofsted.

A report began: “Pupils love coming to this school. From the Reception class to Year 6, pupils enjoy learning because leaders have thought carefully about how to make their learning relevant and engaging. Pupils know that teachers expect them to work hard. They rise to these high expectations. Pupils learn well in all subjects and years.”

Sankey Valley St James Church of England Primary School – ‘Good’

Based on Dorchester Road in Great Sankey, this primary school was rated good by Ofsted in June 2021.

An inspector said: “This school is a calm, safe and welcoming place where pupils love to learn. Pupils enjoy their learning because it captures their interest. Everyone is expected to do their best.

“Pupils achieve well. They talk confidently about the many things that they have learned during their time at school.”

St Andrew's CofE Primary School – ‘Good’

Based on Broom Avenue, this school was rated good during an inspection in March 2023.

A report began: “Pupils enjoy school and see it as a happy place to be. They feel respected by their peers and they value the caring approach of staff. All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), feel included in this supportive school community.”

St Augustine's Catholic Primary School – ‘Good’

Based on Henshall Avenue, Latchford, this school continues to be good according to an inspection in June 2021.

A report said: “This is a friendly and happy school that is built on Christian values and excellent relationships between staff, pupils and their families. Leaders have high expectations of what pupils can achieve, how they behave and their attitudes to learning.”

Warrington St Barnabas CofE Primary School – ‘Good’

A short inspection of this primary school was conducted in December 2018.

The report began: “The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection. You lead a welcoming and inclusive school, which is firmly rooted in Christian values. Pupils learn to live out the school’s motto, ‘Preparing for a positive future, achieved through faith’.”

St Benedict's Catholic Primary School – ‘Good’

Located on Quebec Road, St Benedict’s was last inspected by Ofsted in November 2022 and was determined a good school.

A report began: “Pupils thoroughly enjoy coming to school, where they are happy and safe. Pupils are eager to learn. They readily help staff and like to socialise with their friends in the school’s breakfast club.

“Pupils are respectful towards adults and each other. They follow the rules closely and help to make the school a calm and purposeful place for learning.”

 

St Bridget's Catholic Primary School – ‘Good’

This Capesthorne Road school was last inspected in February last year and was rated good by Ofsted.

An inspector said: “Pupils are happy at school. They feel included at St. Bridget’s Catholic Primary School. Staff expect pupils to achieve well. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils enjoy learning and they work hard in lessons. Pupils achieve well in most subjects.”

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School – ‘Good’

Located in Penketh, this school was rated good by Ofsted during its last inspection back in January 2020.

The report began: “Pupils are proud to attend this school. The positive relationships between everyone make St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School a happy place to learn. Pupils that I spoke with told me that they feel safe. They are confident to talk to staff if they have any worries or concerns.”

St Lewis Catholic Primary School – ‘Good’

Located in Croft, St Lewis’s Primary was rated good after an inspection in October last year.

The inspector said: “Pupils enjoy being part of this nurturing and caring school community. They develop positive relationships with staff and with each other. The school is highly ambitious for all pupils to become all that they ‘are meant to be’. Pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well.”

St Margaret's CofE Voluntary Aided Primary School – ‘Good’

Last inspected in March 2023, this Orford school was rated good by inspectors.

A report began: “Pupils at St Margaret’s, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), love learning and achieve well. This is because leaders have established many successful ways for staff to respond to pupils’ interests, needs and development.”

Stretton St Matthew's CofE Primary School – ‘Outstanding’

This Stretton School last received a full inspection in May 2015 when it was graded outstanding by Ofsted. Since then, it has converted to academy status and has joined the Chester Diocesan Academies Trust.

The report began: “Pupils’ achievement is outstanding. They make excellent progress in all classes across the school. By the end of Year 6 they consistently reach standards in reading, writing and mathematics that are significantly above the national average.”

St Monica’s Catholic Primary School – ‘Good’

Based in Appleton, this school continues to be good according to Ofsted during its last visit in February 2020.

A report began: “This is a school where teachers love teaching and pupils love learning. Leaders are ambitious for all pupils to succeed. Pupils endeavour to live up to the schools expectations of ‘always ready, always caring, always tidy’. They work hard and achieve well across a range of subjects.”

St Peter's Catholic Primary School – ‘Outstanding’

This Woolston primary school was last inspected by Ofsted in March 2013, when it was rated an outstanding school.

A report said: “The school’s firmly held values and very caring ethos underpin all aspects of its work. Pupils, staff and parents think very highly of the school. Parents appreciate the extra mile staff go to provide high quality care and education for their children.”

St Philip (Westbrook) CofE Aided Primary School – ‘Good’

Located in Westbrook, this school was last inspected by educated watchdogs in April last year and continues to be a good school.

An inspector said: “This school is a vibrant and aspirational place, where pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), thrive. Pupils are happy. They get on well together and are considerate of each other’s feelings. Pupils who have recently joined the school settle in quickly. Everybody is welcome.”

St Stephen’s Catholic Primary School – ‘Good’

Based on Sandy Lane in Orford, this primary school was rated good by Ofsted after an inspection in October 2023.

The report began: “St Stephen’s Catholic Primary School is a welcoming place to be. The school provides a nurturing environment where pupils can learn well. Staff foster a keen sense of pride among pupils, ensuring that they feel happy, safe and secure.

“The school has established clear expectations for the behaviour of pupils, including for children in the early years. Pupils are polite and respectful to each other and to staff.”

St Thomas' CofE Primary School – ‘Good’

This Parkgate Road school was last inspected in September 2023.

An inspector said: “Pupils are happy and motivated to try their best. They know that their individual achievements will be celebrated. Pupils appreciate the support that they receive, which helps them to work with enthusiasm and commitment during lessons.”

St Vincent's Catholic Primary School – ‘Good’

Located in Penketh, this school was last rated good by Ofsted after an inspection in September 2019.

The report began: “Pupils at this school are happy, kind and enjoy their learning. They make the most of the wide range of experiences the school has to offer and achieve well.

“Pupils told us about the wider opportunities that the school provides. For example, they spoke enthusiastically about the regional choir performance, their sporting achievements, residential visits and the range of clubs they can join. They feel proud and lucky to be a member of the school.”

Stockton Heath Primary School – ‘Good’

This West Avenue school was last graded good by Ofsted after a recent inspection in January.

The report said: “Pupils at this school embody its core values of friendship and respect. These values underpin the harmonious relationships between everyone in school. Pupils are thoughtful and well mannered. They make everyone feel welcome.”

Thelwall Infant School – ‘Good’

Located on Pelham Road in Thelwall, this school was last inspected by Ofsted in March 2023.

An inspector said: “Leaders and staff ensure that pupils feel part of the friendly school community. Pupils told inspectors that everyone is made to feel welcome, regardless of their differences. They value the strong friendships that they have with their classmates. Pupils are happy.”

Westbrook Lane Primary School – ‘Good’

Last inspected in November 2021, Westbrook Lane Primary was rated good by Ofsted.

An inspector said: “There are strong relationships between pupils and staff at this school. Leaders have established a caring environment in which all are welcomed. Pupils feel safe. Adults listen to pupils when they are worried. Relationships between older and younger pupils are friendly and caring.”

Winwick C of E Primary School – ‘Good’

Back in October last year, this Winwick school was rated good by Ofsted following an inspection.

The report began: “Pupils enjoy attending this friendly, caring school. They are proud to be part of its community. This is reflected in the work that pupils produce and how keen they are to talk about what they have learned.”

Woolston CofE Aided Primary School – ‘Good’

This school located on Epping Drive was graded good by Ofsted back in October 2023.

An inspector said: “Pupils flourish at this welcoming and aspirational school where everyone wants the best for them. Pupils’ positive educational experience is reflected in their high rates of attendance and their eager smiles.”

Woolston Community Primary School – ‘Good’

Located on Barnfield Road, this Woolston school continues to be good, according to an Ofsted inspection dating back to September 2023.

The school joined One Community Trust and converted to academy status in 2019.

The report began: “Pupils feel included at this caring school community. They value and embrace difference. They also appreciate and welcome pupils who are part of the specially resourced provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). At social times, the playground is an oasis of calm.

“Pupils of all ages mix well together. They engage in a variety of carefully considered activities. These include adventures on the climbing frame, ball games and imaginative play.”

Twiss Green Community Primary School - 'Good'

This Culcheth school was last inspected by Ofsted in November 2023.

An inspector said: "Pupils enjoy coming to school. They feel well cared for by staff and they said that this helps them to feel safe.

"They are keen to learn new things and they relished talking about the topics that they have studied recently. The school ensures that pupils are encouraged by staff to live out the values of respect, resilience and relationships in their actions each day. Pupils are proud to celebrate their accomplishments."

To view any of the inspection reports in full visit reports.ofsted.gov.uk/