Oakworth Primary School

About Oakworth Primary School

Oakworth Primary School is a state primary for children aged 3 to 11, and it is very nearly full. With 413 pupils on roll against a capacity of 420, the school is operating at 98% of its maximum. The demand for places is clear: for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 118 applications for just 50 places, and all 50 first-preference offers were taken up. That gives an oversubscription ratio of 2.36, meaning more than two families applied for every available spot. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 9.6%, which is notably lower than the national average for primary schools, suggesting a relatively less deprived intake than many schools in the Bradford area. The school has no religious character and is led by headteacher Ed Whitehead. It also offers nursery provision, so families with three-year-olds can secure a place early.

Academically, Oakworth performs around the national average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 63% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is above the Bradford local authority average of 59%. The school ranks 67th out of 153 primary schools in Bradford on this measure, placing it in the middle of the pack. Individual subject scores are solid: average scaled scores of 105 in reading and 104 in maths, with 75% of pupils reaching the expected standard in both subjects. At the higher end, 18% achieved the higher standard in reading and maths, though only 3% hit that mark across all three subjects. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, in December 2022, rated it Good overall, with all five categories — quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision — each judged Good. This is a step down from its previous Outstanding rating in 2007, but the current judgement is still a strong endorsement.

The school is well-equipped for a primary of its size, with facilities including a sports hall, playing fields, a gymnasium, music rooms, an ICT suite, art studios, and a sensory room. Sports provision covers cricket, football, dance, netball, athletics, rounders and tennis, while after-school clubs include coding, science, drama, art and film. For families with children who have additional needs, Oakworth lists SEND support for specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and hearing impairment. Given its oversubscription, families living close to the school or with a strong local connection will have the best chance of securing a place. It suits parents looking for a Good-rated primary with strong demand, decent facilities, and a less deprived intake than many Bradford alternatives, but not one that pushes for the highest academic ceilings.

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