St Wilfrid's RC Primary School

About St Wilfrid's RC Primary School

St Wilfrid's RC Primary School is clearly a popular choice among local families. In the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 58 applications for just 25 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.32, meaning more than two families applied for every spot. All 25 first-preference applicants were offered a place, which suggests that while competition is real, those who put it first stand a strong chance. The school's parentView data isn't available in this snapshot, but the oversubscription figures alone signal a solid reputation in the community. With 211 pupils on roll against a capacity of 210, the school is effectively full, and its Roman Catholic character will be a key draw for families seeking a faith-based primary education in Manchester. The headteacher, R Moloney, leads a school where 54% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, a figure well above the national average, indicating a diverse intake.

Academically, St Wilfrid's performs well above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 69% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Manchester local authority average of just 57%. That places the school 23rd out of 122 primary schools in the borough, putting it in the top 20% locally. Reading and maths average scores were 108 and 109 respectively, both comfortably above the national benchmark of 100. Where the school really shines is at the higher standard: 45% of pupils achieved higher than expected in reading, and 41% in maths, though the combined higher standard figure was just 3%, reflecting the challenge of reaching that level across all three subjects simultaneously. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023, the school was rated Good overall, with Outstanding marks for personal development and for behaviour and attitudes.

The school offers a strong range of facilities and activities despite its relatively small size. Pupils have access to an ICT suite, art studios, music rooms, a gymnasium, playing fields and a chapel, plus a Forest School programme. Sports include gymnastics, tennis, athletics, football and netball, while after-school clubs cover art, chess, coding, eco, gardening and science. For children with additional needs, the school has identified provisions for moderate learning difficulties, social and emotional mental health needs, speech and language communication issues, visual impairment and autistic spectrum disorder. There is also nursery provision for children from age three. With its strong academic results, faith ethos and oversubscribed places, St Wilfrid's will particularly suit Catholic families in Manchester who want a primary school that combines solid outcomes with a broad, inclusive offer.

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