Menston Primary School

About Menston Primary School

Menston Primary School is a state primary for mixed-gender pupils aged 5 to 11, and it is clearly a popular choice among local families. With a school capacity of 420 and 390 pupils currently on roll, it is not quite full, but the demand is strong: for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 132 applications for 60 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.2. Of those, 59 were first-preference applications, and 59 first-preference offers were made, meaning virtually every family who put it first got a place. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at just 3.1%, well below the national average and a clear signal that the school serves a relatively affluent catchment. The school has no religious character and no nursery provision, so children join in Reception. Headteacher Marie Wilson leads a school that, demographically, draws from a fairly narrow socioeconomic band, which often correlates with the strong academic results the school achieves.

Academically, Menston Primary performs well above the local authority average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 74% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Bradford LA average of 59%. That places the school 28th out of 153 primary schools in the local authority, comfortably inside the top 25% nationally. The average scaled scores are strong: 109 in reading and 108 in maths. At the higher standard, 46% of pupils achieved above the expected level in reading, 44% in maths, and 12% in writing. Progress scores are not available in the data, but the raw outcomes are clearly above the norm. In its most recent graded Ofsted inspection in 2014, the school was rated Good overall, with Good for leadership and management and Good for overall effectiveness. An ungraded inspection in 2018 confirmed the school remains Good. The previous inspection in 2009 also rated it Good, so the school has a consistent track record of solid provision.

The school offers a decent range of facilities for a primary, including a sensory room, library, dining hall, art studios, playing fields, sports hall and even a chapel. Sports provision covers rounders, cross country, athletics, swimming, netball and cricket, while clubs include science, art, gardening and coding. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists SEND provisions for specific learning difficulties (dyslexia), moderate learning difficulty, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, physical disability and autistic spectrum disorder. The nearest Outstanding-rated primary is Burley and Woodhead CofE Primary School, about 2 km away, which may be worth considering for families who want a top-tier Ofsted rating. Menston Primary is a strong, well-regarded local school that suits families who prioritise academic attainment and a relatively homogeneous intake, and who are comfortable with a school that is oversubscribed but still accessible for first-preference applicants.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Menston Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents