Parochial CofE Primary and Nursery School, Ashton-under-Lyne

About Parochial CofE Primary and Nursery School, Ashton-under-Lyne

Parochial CofE Primary and Nursery School in Ashton-under-Lyne is a Church of England state primary that is currently oversubscribed, a clear signal of local demand. With 217 pupils on roll against a capacity of 210, the school is running slightly above its official limit. Its intake reflects a significantly higher-than-average level of disadvantage: 40.5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, compared with the national primary average of around 23%. For the 2025/26 reception intake, the school received 44 applications for 24 places, with 22 of those coming as first preferences. That gives an oversubscription ratio of 1.83, meaning nearly two families apply for every place. The school has a nursery provision for children aged three and above, and its religious character as a Church of England school may be a factor for some families when considering their applications.

Academically, the school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023 rated it Good across all five categories, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This was a repeat of its Good rating from the previous inspection in 2013. At Key Stage 2, 41% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is below the Tameside local authority average of 62%. The school ranks 53rd out of 57 primary schools in the borough on this measure, placing it in the bottom half nationally. Average scores in reading (103) and maths (102) were both slightly above the national floor standard of 100, but the proportion reaching the higher standard in all three subjects was just 3%. In writing, only 3% of pupils achieved greater depth, and in maths it was 10%.

The school offers a range of facilities including a library, dining hall, sensory room, forest school area and a chapel. Sports provision includes cross country, cricket, netball, dance, gymnastics and rounders, while clubs cover drama, science, choir, book club, chess and gardening. SEND support is available for pupils with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, and speech, language and communication difficulties. For families considering this school, the oversubscription means a realistic chance of a place if you live nearby and can demonstrate a connection to the Church of England, but it is not a certainty. The school suits families who value a faith-based setting and are comfortable with a cohort that has a higher-than-average proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals.

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