Holy Rosary RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy

About Holy Rosary RC Primary School, a Voluntary Academy

Holy Rosary RC Primary School sits in Oldham, a Roman Catholic voluntary academy for children aged 3 to 11. When you compare its headline metrics against the local authority average for primary schools, the picture is mixed. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in 2022 awarded an overall effectiveness rating of Good, which is a solid result but not at the level of the four Outstanding primaries in the borough. The local authority average for Key Stage 2 attainment is 58, and while Holy Rosary’s exact KS2 scores are not provided in the data, the school’s Good rating suggests it is performing broadly in line with or slightly above this benchmark. What stands out is the school’s journey: its previous inspection in 2019 rated it Requires Improvement overall, with leadership and management also at that level. The 2022 inspection saw a clear upgrade to Good across all graded areas except early years provision, which remains Requires Improvement. This upward trajectory is a notable positive for families considering the school.

Academically, Holy Rosary’s Ofsted breakdown gives a detailed view of its strengths and weaknesses. The quality of education, personal development, and behaviour and attitudes all received Good ratings in the 2022 inspection, indicating that the core teaching and pastoral care are effective. Leadership and management also improved to Good, which is a significant shift from the previous Requires Improvement. The early years provision, however, remains a concern at Requires Improvement, so parents with children entering nursery or reception may want to explore this further. The school does not have a sixth form, as it is a primary, and no specific Progress 8 or SATs scores are available in the data. Compared to the local authority average of 58 for KS2, the school’s performance is not explicitly stated, but the Good overall rating implies it is meeting or approaching that benchmark. The school’s capacity is 210, and it offers nursery provision, which can be a practical advantage for families seeking continuity from early years through to Year 6.

On a practical level, Holy Rosary offers a range of facilities that support both learning and wellbeing, including a sensory room, library, dining hall, playing fields, and a chapel. Sports provision covers cricket, dance, athletics, football, and cross country, while clubs extend to coding, gardening, drama, book club, and chess, giving children a decent variety of enrichment activities. The school is mixed and state-funded, with a religious character that may appeal to Catholic families or those seeking a faith-based environment. Admissions data is not provided, but with a capacity of 210, it is a relatively small school, so places could be competitive depending on catchment and sibling policies. The nearest Outstanding school is Glodwich Infant and Nursery School, 1.8 km away, which might be an alternative for families prioritising that top rating. Overall, Holy Rosary suits families who value a faith setting, appreciate the recent improvement trajectory, and are comfortable with the early years provision still needing attention.

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