Co-op Academy New Islington

About Co-op Academy New Islington

Co-op Academy New Islington is a mixed, non-faith primary in Manchester with 381 pupils against a capacity of 420, meaning it runs close to full but with a little headroom. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 15.5%, which is notably lower than the national average for primary schools, suggesting a relatively less disadvantaged intake than many of its Manchester neighbours. Demand is strong: for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 99 applications for 60 places, an oversubscription ratio of 1.65, and made 57 offers to first-preference families. That level of competition signals a school that local parents are actively choosing, particularly given that 57 of those applications were first-preference. The headteacher is Joshua Berry, and the school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in January 2025 rated it Good across all categories — a step down from its previous Outstanding rating in 2015, but still a solid endorsement.

Academically, the school’s Key Stage 2 results for 2023/24 show 52% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is below the Manchester local authority average of 57%. In the LA rankings, this places the school 82nd out of 122 primary schools, putting it in the bottom half locally and nationally at the 75th percentile. Looking at individual subjects, 73% met the expected standard in maths and 71% in reading, but writing lagged at 58%. At the higher standard, 29% achieved in maths, 33% in reading, and just 13% in writing, with only 6% hitting the higher threshold across all three. Progress scores are not available in the data, so it’s hard to say how much value the school adds, but the raw attainment figures suggest a school where most children leave with solid foundations, particularly in maths and reading, though writing is an area of relative weakness.

The school offers a decent range of facilities including an ICT suite, sports hall, art studios, a dining hall and a sensory room, plus clubs in drama, gardening and choir. Sports provision is broad with gymnastics, swimming, tennis, netball and rounders among the options. SEND support is formally listed for moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, and speech, language and communication needs — though the Parent View data shows a split: 59% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that SEND children get the support they need, while 37% disagreed or strongly disagreed, suggesting some inconsistency in experience. Overall, 73% of parents would recommend the school. This is a popular, oversubscribed inner-city primary with decent facilities and a Good Ofsted rating, best suited to families who prioritise a broad curriculum and strong community feel over top-tier academic rankings.

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