Holly Mount Roman Catholic Primary School, Bury

About Holly Mount Roman Catholic Primary School, Bury

Holly Mount Roman Catholic Primary School in Bury is clearly a popular choice among local families, with 42 applications for just 24 places in the 2025/26 admissions round, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.75. All 24 first-preference applicants were offered a place, which suggests that for those who put it top of their list, the school is a realistic option rather than a long shot. The school has a Good rating from its most recent Ofsted inspection in February 2024, a step down from the Outstanding it held in its previous inspection in 2012. However, the early years provision remains Outstanding, and inspectors rated behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management all as Good. With 265 pupils on roll against a capacity of 300, there is a little breathing room, though the oversubscription figures show demand is strong.

Academically, Holly Mount performs above the local authority average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 69% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with the Bury average of 64%. This places the school 18th out of 46 primary schools in the local authority, and in the top 50% nationally. Reading scores were particularly strong, with 87% reaching the expected standard and 36% achieving a higher standard. Maths scores were also solid, with an average scaled score of 104 and 80% reaching the expected level. Writing and maths at the higher standard were less common, at 2% and 16% respectively, so the school seems to focus on securing solid foundations for the majority rather than pushing a large proportion to the top tier. Only 6% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is low and may reflect the catchment's demographics.

The school offers a range of facilities including a sports hall, a sensory room, a chapel, and an outdoor playground. Clubs include book club, eco club, art club, drama and choir, and sports on offer are rounders, netball, cricket and cross country. The school has identified speech, language and communication needs and visual impairment as its main SEND provisions. As a Roman Catholic state primary, it will have a faith-based admissions criteria, which is worth checking if that is a factor for your family. The headteacher is Eleanor England. For families who want a school with a strong local reputation, solid but not exceptional results, and a clear faith character, Holly Mount is a realistic and well-regarded option.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Holly Mount Roman Catholic Primary School, Bury

Helpful Guides for Parents