The deadline set by the government for those in pre-school who are preparing to go to primary school this September is next Wednesday, January 15.
Applications should be made online through the local authority website or paper applications can also be submitted. Parents can make up to three choices of schools they want their three and four year olds to attend and late applications received may not be considered by the council.
Warrington Borough Council will inform parents of the outcome of their applications on Wednesday, April 16.
If you have not already made your choices, you may be wondering what schools in Warrington have been given the highest gradings of outstanding.
So we thought we would do the work for you, and have compiled a list of these very schools.
While Ofsted no longer give out an overall grade as of this year, school’s that have a majority grading of outstanding will be included in this list.
Here they are in no particular order:
Appleton Thorn Primary School
Appleton Thorn Primary, based on Arley Road, was last inspected by Ofsted in November 2010 where it received an outstanding grading.
Inspectors said: “This is an outstanding school. The driving force in its success is excellent leadership.
“A description of this that sums up typical views of parents and carers who responded to the pre-inspection questionnaire is, ‘dynamic and reflective leaders with a real sense of vision for the school’s long and mid-term future’.”
Barrow Hall Community Primary School
Based in Great Sankey, Barrow Hall Primary was last visited by Ofsted in July 2023 and was found to be an outstanding school in all areas.
Inspectors said: “Children in early years, and pupils in key stages one and two, excel in their learning and prosper at Barrow Hall Community Primary School. They live up to leaders’ high expectations. Pupils achieve exceptionally well and become confident, articulate learners.”
Evelyn Street Primary School
This primary school was last inspected recently in July 2024 and was graded outstanding in every area.
An inspector said: “This is an exceptional school where pupils make the best possible start to their education.
“This stems from the high levels of ambition that the school has for pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils are taught the importance of resilience. They embody this through the way in which they approach their learning. Many pupils, including those with SEND, achieve extremely well across the curriculum.”
Grappenhall Heys Community Primary School
Last inspected in May 2015, the Stansfield Drive school was graded outstanding by the education watchdogs.
Inspectors said: “The recently appointed headteacher has successfully inspired governors and staff at every level to strive for improvement. She has high aspirations that have enabled the school to continue to achieve the best for its pupils.
“At the same time she is providing clarity of vision on how to improve still further.”
Oughtrington Primary School
Based on Howard Avenue in Lymm, this school was last inspected by Ofsted in September 2024. It was graded with the new grading system brought in by the education watchdogs which gives a grade per area but not an overall effectiveness.
Three out of five areas on the inspection report were graded outstanding. These areas were Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development and Early years provision.
An inspector said: “Pupils and staff are incredibly proud to be part of thi
s school.
“Members of ‘Team Oughty’ champion one another and recognise each other’s strengths.
“This contributes towards an environment where success is both celebrated and rewarded. Pupils are eager to come into school and live up to the motto of ‘aspiring to greater heights’ by rising to the high expectations that the school has of their achievement.”
St Peter’s Catholic Primary School
Based in Woolston on Hillock Lane, this primary school was last inspected by Ofsted recently in April 2024.
It was graded outstanding in all areas of the inspection.
An inspector said: “Pupils at St Peter’s are exceptionally kind and caring. They go out of their way to make sure that everyone feels included. Pupils talked very confidently about the ways in which people are similar and different.
“They show great empathy towards others. Pupils enjoy coming to school and their attendance is high. Pupils said that they are very proud of their school.”
Stretton St Matthew’s CE Primary School
Located on Stretton Road, Stretton St Matthew’s Primary was last inspected in April 2015 and was determined to be an outstanding school.
An inspector said: “Pupils’ achievement is outstanding. They make excellent progress in all classes across the school. By the end of Year 6 they consistently reach standards in reading, writing and mathematics that are significantly above the national average.”
To read any of the reports in full visit reports.ofsted.gov.uk/