Whirley Primary School
101%
Capacity
213
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Whirley Primary School
Whirley Primary School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Cheshire East community, welcoming children from age 4 to 11. The school has 213 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (101% of 210 places).
Ofsted has rated Whirley Primary School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Karen Whalley, it falls under Cheshire East local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 71% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — above the national average. Additionally, ranked 3845th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 38th out of 113 in Cheshire East.
Whirley Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 71 applications for 30 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 37 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Whirley Primary School include ICT Suite, Library, Gymnasium, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, Outdoor Playground, Art Studios, Forest School, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Gymnastics, Football, Swimming and 2 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Choir, Chess, Film Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 5.2%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Cheshire East, Whirley Primary School is one of the options available in the North West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 4 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Whirley Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire East, SK10 3JL |
| Headteacher | Karen Whalley |
| Local Authority | Cheshire East |
| Number of Pupils | 213 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 5.2% |
| School Capacity | 213 / 210 (101% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
20 Jul 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (20 Jul 2022): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 14 Apr 2011. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (71%)
3845th of 13,686
Nationally
547th of 2,065
In North West
38th of 113
In Cheshire East
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
71%
Expected Standard
6%
Higher Standard
'22/23
61%
'23/24
71%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed30
71
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
37 families put this school as their 1st choice (52% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whirley Primary School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Whirley Road, Macclesfield
Cheshire East, SK10 3JL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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