Christ Church CofE Primary School

About Christ Church CofE Primary School

Christ Church CofE Primary School in Bury is a Church of England state primary that currently educates 220 pupils against a capacity of 270, meaning there is some headroom in its physical spaces. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals sits at 6%, which is notably low compared with national averages and suggests a relatively affluent intake. Demand for places is strong: for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 35 applications for just 18 places, with 17 of those coming as first preferences. That oversubscription ratio of 1.94 to 1 confirms it is a popular choice locally. The school offers nursery provision for children from age three and has a mixed-gender, Church of England character. Kay James is the headteacher.

Academically, the school performs well above the local authority average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 72% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Bury LA average of 64%. The school ranks 11th out of 46 primary schools in the borough on this metric, placing it in the top quarter locally and in the top 50% nationally. Individual subject scores are strong: 94% of pupils met the expected standard in maths, with an average scaled score of 107, while reading and writing both saw 81% reaching the expected standard. Higher-standard attainment is more modest, with 11% achieving the higher benchmark across all three subjects. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in 2022 rated it Good across all categories, including early years provision, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership. This is a downgrade from its previous Outstanding rating in 2007, but the current judgement is solid.

The school is well equipped with facilities including an ICT suite, sports hall, music rooms, a sensory room, forest school area, gymnasium, playing fields and a chapel. Sports on offer include rounders, tennis, cross country, athletics, swimming, netball and dance, while clubs range from gardening and book club to drama and film club. The SEND provision is broad, covering specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social and emotional mental health needs, speech and language communication needs, visual impairment, physical disability and autistic spectrum disorder. This is a school that suits families who value a strong academic record within a Church of England framework, and who are prepared for a competitive admissions process. Its location in Bury, with the nearest Outstanding-rated school (Chantlers Primary) 1.4 km away, gives parents a nearby alternative if oversubscription proves an issue.

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