Lower Kersal Community Primary School

About Lower Kersal Community Primary School

Lower Kersal Community Primary School sits almost exactly in the middle of the pack when compared with other primary schools in Salford. Its Key Stage 2 score of 59 for the percentage of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths places it 35th out of 65 schools in the local authority, which is a whisker below the Salford average of 61. That puts it in the bottom half of schools regionally and nationally, but not dramatically so — it's a solidly average performer rather than a struggling one. The school's overall Ofsted rating of Good, confirmed in its most recent ungraded inspection in 2023, represents a clear improvement from its previous graded inspection in 2014, when it was rated Requires Improvement. Leadership and management, as well as overall effectiveness, are now both rated Good, suggesting the school has stabilised under headteacher Sarah Steward.

Looking at the 2023/24 SATs results in more detail, the picture is mixed. In reading, 66% of pupils met the expected standard and 21% reached the higher standard, with an average score of 104. Maths saw 69% at the expected level and 24% at the higher standard, with an average score of 102. Writing was slightly weaker, with 62% reaching the expected standard and none achieving the higher mark. The combined expected standard in all three subjects was 59%, which is the figure that drives the school's mid-table ranking. No progress scores are available for reading, writing or maths, so it's hard to say how much value the school adds relative to pupils' starting points. With 48% of pupils eligible for free school meals — well above the national average — the school is serving a significantly disadvantaged community, which makes its Good Ofsted rating and broadly average outcomes a reasonable achievement in context.

The school is oversubscribed for Reception entry in 2025/26, with 50 applications for 30 places and 30 first-preference offers made from 31 first-preference applications, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.67. It offers a nursery provision for children from age three. Facilities include a sports hall, gymnasium, forest school, art studios and a chapel, and the school runs clubs ranging from chess and gardening to film club and choir. Sports on offer include football, dance, athletics, cricket, tennis, cross country and swimming. The school has identified SEND provisions for specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, moderate learning difficulty, social emotional and mental health needs, speech language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. For families in Salford looking for a well-led community primary that serves a diverse intake and has improved its Ofsted rating, Lower Kersal is a decent, if unremarkable, option — particularly for those who value its forest school and range of extracurricular activities.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Lower Kersal Community Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents