Girlington Primary School

About Girlington Primary School

Girlington Primary School is a state primary in Bradford that is significantly oversubscribed, a clear signal of its local demand. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 141 applications for just 56 places, with 63 families listing it as their first preference. The school currently has 508 pupils on roll against a capacity of 420, meaning it is operating well above its official limit. This is a school serving a community with high levels of disadvantage: 41.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, more than double the national average for primary schools. The school is mixed, non-denominational, and caters for children from age 2 through to 11, with nursery provision on site. It is led by headteacher K A Swales.

Academically, Girlington performs broadly in line with the local authority average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 59% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, matching the Bradford LA average of 59%. However, the proportion reaching the higher standard in all three subjects was just 3%, which is below the national average. Looking at individual subjects, reading scores were stronger: 75% met the expected standard and 22% reached the higher standard, with an average scaled score of 105. In maths, 71% met the expected standard and 12% reached the higher standard, with an average score of 102. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023 rated it Good overall, with an Outstanding rating for early years provision. All other categories — quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management — were rated Good. The school has held a Good rating since its previous inspection in 2013.

The school offers a solid range of facilities including a dining hall, sports hall, ICT suite, art studios and a chapel. Sports provision is strong, with football, netball, cricket, swimming, athletics, cross country and gymnastics all on offer, alongside clubs such as chess, choir, science club and art club. For families with children who have additional needs, the school has a wide range of SEND provisions, including support for moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, hearing and visual impairments, physical disabilities, and a resourced provision. Girlington is a good fit for families living in or near Bradford who want a well-subscribed, inclusive primary with strong early years provision and a broad extracurricular offer, though those prioritising high academic attainment at the top end may want to look at nearby schools such as Copthorne Primary, which is rated Outstanding and sits just 2 km away.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Girlington Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents