Acton Church of England Primary Academy

About Acton Church of England Primary Academy

If you're a parent considering Acton Church of England Primary Academy, the first thing you'll notice is that it's a genuinely popular choice among local families. In the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 84 applications for just 30 places, giving it an oversubscription ratio of 2.8. That means nearly three families wanted each spot, and of the 31 first-preference applications, 29 were offered a place. That level of demand is a strong signal that parents who know the school well are keen to get their children in. The school is a state primary for mixed genders, aged 4 to 11, and is part of the Church of England family in Cheshire East. With 176 pupils on roll and a capacity of 178, it's running very close to full, which adds to the sense of a tight-knit, in-demand community.

Academically, the picture is mixed but has clear strengths. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023, the school was rated Good overall, with behaviour and attitudes judged as Outstanding. That's a notable shift from its previous inspection in 2012, where it was rated Outstanding across the board. The 2023 report gave Good ratings for quality of education, early years provision, personal development, and leadership and management. Looking at the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 48% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined. That's below the local authority average of 64%, and it places the school 97th out of 123 primary schools in Cheshire East. However, individual subject scores tell a more nuanced story: 74% reached the expected standard in reading, 70% in writing, and 67% in maths. Reading also saw 19% of pupils achieving a higher standard, and the average reading score was 103.

The school offers a solid range of facilities and activities that give it a distinct character. There's a Forest School, an ICT suite, art studios, a library, playing fields, and a chapel, which reflects its Church of England foundation. Sports include athletics, football, gymnastics and cross country, while clubs cover book club, drama and art club. For children with additional needs, the school has identified provisions for specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate learning difficulty, social, emotional and mental health needs, and speech, language and communication needs. With 7.4% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the intake is broadly representative. This is a school that suits families who value a strong community feel, a clear moral framework, and a setting where behaviour is a standout strength, even if academic outcomes are more variable than some local alternatives.

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