Astwood Bank Primary School

About Astwood Bank Primary School

Astwood Bank Primary School is a state-funded mixed primary in Redditch, Worcestershire, and it is clearly a popular choice among local families. With 402 pupils on roll against a capacity of 420, the school is running very close to full, and the demand is borne out by its admission data for the 2025/26 intake: the school received 114 applications for just 58 places, making it oversubscribed by a factor of nearly two to one. Of those applications, 71 were first-preference choices, and 56 first-preference offers were made, suggesting that most families who put it top of their list secured a place. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at just 6%, which is notably lower than the national average for primary schools and indicates a relatively affluent intake. The school does not have a religious character, so its appeal appears to rest on its academic and pastoral reputation rather than any faith-based admissions criteria.

Academically, Astwood Bank performs well above the local authority average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 70% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Worcestershire average of 61%. The school also excels at stretching its highest achievers: 14% of pupils scored at the higher standard across all three subjects, while 37% achieved higher scores in reading and 26% in maths. Average scaled scores of 106 in reading and 105 in maths are solidly above the national benchmark of 100. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, in December 2023, rated it Good overall, but the breakdown reveals real strengths: behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management were all judged Outstanding, and early years provision was also rated Outstanding. This is a school that has maintained strong performance since its previous Outstanding rating in 2010, and it ranks first among the three primary schools in Redditch for its combined expected standard.

The school offers a broad range of facilities including a library, gymnasium, forest school, ICT suite, sensory room and art studios, and pupils can take part in sports such as gymnastics, cricket, dance, athletics, tennis, cross country and football. Clubs include book club, science club, art club, film club and coding. For children with additional needs, the school provides support for a wide spectrum of conditions, including dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech and language communication needs, visual impairment, and autistic spectrum disorder. There is no nursery or sixth form provision. Astwood Bank is a strong fit for families in and around Redditch who prioritise high academic standards and a well-regarded pastoral environment, and who are prepared to compete for a place in an oversubscribed school. Its relatively low FSM rate and high demand suggest it draws from a catchment of families who are actively engaged in their children’s education.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Astwood Bank Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents