All recent Ofsted ratings for primary schools in Runcorn and Widnes

Primary School Offer Day will take place tomorrow, Tuesday.

The important decision is not one taken lightly by mums and dads, who are allowed to select three preferences of schools they would like their child to attend.

And Halton Borough Council will be among the local authorities to announce the allocation of places for each of the primary schools across Runcorn and Widnes.

In light of this, we have done a roundup of the most recent Ofsted gradings for all the primary schools in Halton.

Grading ranges from Inadequate being the lowest to Outstanding being the highest rating.

The Brow Community Primary School - 'Good'

Located in Halton Brow, Runcorn, this school was last graded good by Ofsted following an inspection in June 2022.

An inspector said: "Pupils enjoy coming to this school. They are all made to feel part of The Brow community. Pupils know that staff care for them. As some pupils explained, ‘We feel safe because our teachers look out for us."

St Mary's Church of England Primary School - 'Good'

Based on Castlefields Avenue South, in Runcorn, this primary school last had a short inspection conducted in July 2019 which confirmed it to still be a good school.

An inspector said: "The school is a calm, happy and welcoming place. Throughout the school, vibrant displays celebrate examples of pupils’ learning and the Christian ethos. This is at the heart of everything that you do in school. Your Christian values have created an inclusive and nurturing environment."

St Gerard's Catholic Primary and Nursery School - 'Good'

Based on Lugsdale Road in Widnes, this school was last inspected in November 2021.

The report began: "Pupils get a good deal at this school. They thrive socially, educationally and emotionally. Their delight in attending St Gerard’s is reflected in the way that pupils arrive at school at the start of the day with happy, smiling faces. Staff know the pupils well and value them as individuals."

Castle View Primary School - 'Good'

This Halton Brook school in Runcorn was last inspected by Ofsted in November 2022.

The report began: "Pupils enjoy coming to Castle View Primary School. They feel safe and happy. This is because of the positive relationships they form with their friends and with the caring staff who know pupils well. Parents and carers value the support and care provided to their children by staff."

Kingsway Primary Academy School - 'Good'

This Widnes school was last inspected by Ofsted in September 2023.

The report began: "Pupils at Kingsway Primary Academy School enjoy coming to school. Pupils, including children in the early years, feel happy and safe. This includes pupils in the specially resourced provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), (specially resourced provision). They value the strong relationships that they have with the adults in school."

Bridgewater Park Primary School - 'Requires Improvement'

Based in Castlefields in Runcorn, this school was last inspected in May 2023 and was determined as requiring improvement.

A report began: "Everyone is made to feel welcome at Bridgewater Park Primary School. Pupils enjoy coming to this school. They told inspectors that staff are caring and always willing to help them with any worries they may have.

"Pupils learn that everyone should be treated with respect, regardless of their differences. If bullying does happen, staff deal with it effectively. This helps pupils to feel safe."

Astmoor Primary School - 'Good'

This Kingshead Close school in Runcorn was last inspected in September 2019.

An inspector said: "This is a caring and nurturing school. The values of ‘respect, readiness and safety’ are threaded through all aspects of the school.

"Pupils do their very best to live up to these values. Staff have high expectations for all pupils. They expect pupils to work hard."

St Bede's Catholic Junior School - 'Good'

Based in Appleton Village in Widnes, this primary school was last inspected by Ofsted in February 2020.

The report began: "As one governor rightly said to us, the school provides ‘layers of opportunity’ for pupils. Leaders have high expectations of all pupils. Pupils are keen to learn. Most pupils give full attention to their activities. They make every effort to attend school when they should and to arrive punctually each day. Pupils take part in many worthwhile activities."

St Augustine's Catholic Primary School - 'Good'

Last inspected in September 2023, this Conwy Court school was rated good by Ofsted.

The report began: "St Augustine’s is a warm and welcoming school. Pupils are keen to learn and make friends. They are happy, and feel safe and supported in school. The school sets high expectations for pupils’ achievement.

"Pupils live up to these expectations. They spoke openly and confidently about the work that they do in class. Pupils’ positive attitudes to their learning and the pride that they take in their work help them achieve well."

The Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School - 'Requires improvements'

Last inspected in July 2022, this Halton Brook school was said to require improvements.

An inspector said: "Pupils enjoy attending this small, friendly school where everyone is welcome. As one pupil said: ‘I love this school; it is like my second home.’ Staff provide care and support for pupils. When pupils have worries, there is always someone to help."

St Bede's Catholic Infant School - 'Outstanding'

Last inspected in October 2023, this school was rated outstanding.

An inspector said: "Pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), flourish at St Bede’s Catholic Infant School. They more than rise to meet the schools’ high expectations for their academic and personal development. Pupils fully live out the school’s motto of ‘Learn to love; love to learn’. They achieve exceptionally well."

Palace Fields Primary School - 'Good'

Based on Badger Close, this primary school was last inspected by Ofsted in April 2019.

Th report said: "Pupils attending the resourced provision and those across the school with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make good progress in a wide range of subjects."

Woodside Primary School - 'Good'

Located on Whitchurch Way, this school was last inspected by Ofsted in June 2022.

An inspector said: "Pupils are happy and safe at this school. They told inspectors that they enjoy learning and like discovering new things with their friends.

"Pupils form strong and trusting bonds with staff. They know that they can speak to any adult if they are concerned or worried. Pupils told inspectors that if bullying happens, it is quickly resolved."

Ditton Primary School - 'Good'

Located on Liverpool Road in Widnes, this school was rated good during an inspection in October 2023.

An inspector said: "Pupils are happy and enjoy coming to school. They receive a warm welcome from staff each day. Pupils value the caring relationships that they have with staff. Pupils trust that staff will help them with any concerns. This makes pupils feel safe at school."

Hallwood Park Primary School and Nursery - 'Inadequate'

Based in Runcorn this combined primary school and nursery was last inspected by Ofsted in November 2022 and was rated inadequate. 

An inspector said: "Pupils do not receive an acceptable standard of education at Hallwood Park Primary School. Leadership is not effective. Governors have been too slow to intervene to remedy the weaknesses in the school. As a result, pupils’ learning is poor. They do not achieve well."

Fairfield Primary School - 'Good'

Based on Peelhouse Lane in Widnes, this school received a short inspection in February 2019.

The letter began: "This school continues to be good. The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection. Prior to your appointment in September 2017, there had been a steep decline in the progress and attainment of pupils in reading, writing and mathematics, which left staff feeling demotivated and without direction."

Halton Lodge Primary School - 'Requires improvement'

Located on Grangeway in Runcorn, this primary school converted to academy status in January this year and joined Weaver Trust Limited.

Its last inspection by Ofsted took place in September 2021 where an inspector graded the school as 'requires improvement'.

An inspector said: "Halton Lodge is a happy and welcoming school. Pupils feel safe and well looked after. They trust staff to do what is right for them. Pupils who spoke to inspectors said that bullying happens from time to time. They said that this does not worry them because staff are really good at sorting problems out."

St John Fisher Catholic Primary School - 'Good'

This Edward Street school in Widnes was rated good by Ofsted following an inspection in May 2023.

An inspector said: "Pupils enjoy coming to school. They are happy, polite and well-mannered. Leaders ensure that pupils have a secure understanding of the harmful effects of bullying. Pupils feel safe in school because staff deal with any rare incidents of bullying or unkindness swiftly and effectively."

Our Lady Mother of the Saviour Catholic Primary School - 'Good'

Located in Palacefields, Runcorn, this school was last graded good by Ofsted following an inspection in January 2022.

The report began: "Pupils thrive in this school because of the positive relationships that they have with staff and each other. Pupils know they are important and that they have a voice. They develop self-confidence because staff help them to feel good about themselves.

"Pupils who have joined the school recently said they were made to feel welcome and made friends easily."

St Michaels Catholic Primary School - 'Good'

Based in Widnes, this school was rated good after an inspection in May 2023.

An inspector said: "Pupils love coming to this school, which leaders aptly describe as an oasis. Leaders have given careful thought to the school environment, from the calming corridors and unique library to the outdoor spaces. Pupils are very well looked after, and they thrive in this caring environment. Leaders make sure that pupils feel happy and safe. They have high expectations for what pupils can achieve. In many subjects, many pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well."

St Berteline's CofE Primary School - 'Good'

Based on Norton Lane, Runcorn, this school was rated good by Ofsted following a full inspection in February 2020.

"Pupils at St Berteline’s feel like part of a family. They are happy at school. There is a genuine warmth among staff and pupils. Pupils feel cared for and well supported. Pupils demonstrate the school’s vision of ‘A love of life, a love of learning’ in their actions. They are enthusiastic learners."

Farnworth Church of England Controlled Primary School - 'Good'

Located on Pit Lane in Widnes, this school was last inspected in July 2023.

The report began: "Farnworth is not just a school. It is a family. Pupils feel that they are well cared for and the relationships between pupils and staff are positive and respectful. This was summed up by some Year 5 pupils who shared with inspectors that they wanted to take their teachers with them to high school."

Beechwood Primary School - 'Good'

This Grasmere Drive school in Runcorn was rated good by Ofsted back in December 2019.

The report began: "Pupils are happy at Beechwood Primary School. They like the friendly atmosphere at the school. They enjoy a wide range of activities that help them to develop as well-rounded individuals, such as clubs for yoga or cake decoration. They also have opportunities to learn a range of musical instruments."

Oakfield Community Primary School - 'Good'

Based on Edinburgh Road in Widnes, this school was last inspected by Ofsted in September 2021.

An inspector said: "This is a caring, nurturing and happy school. Leaders and staff have high expectations of all pupils. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), form strong relationships with adults and each other. This has a positive impact on their learning."

Windmill Hill Primary School - 'Outstanding'

This Runcorn school was last inspected in July 2013 and was rated outstanding.

An inspector said: "Children make a good start to their school life in the very caring and stimulating Early Years Foundation Stage. Pupils throughout school make increasingly rapid progress from their low starting points and attain broadly average standards in reading, writing and mathematics by the time they leave Year 6."

Moorfield Primary School - 'Good'

Located on School Way in Widnes, this school was last inspected in October 2019.

The report began: "Pupils are proud of their school motto: ‘vibrant, loving, proud’. They say that this is how their school helps them to feel. Pupils know that their welfare and learning are important to the headteacher and staff. This helps pupils to feel safe, secure and happy."

Brookvale Primary School - 'Outstanding' 

Based on Northwich Road, this school in Runcorn was last rated by Ofsted back in January 2013.

An inspector said: "Pupils’ achievement is outstanding. They consistently reach high standards of attainment in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. They make excellent progress, often from very low starting points on entry to school and often exceeding the progress expected for primary age pupils across the country."

Lunts Heath Primary School - 'Outstanding'

Located on Wedgwood Drive, this Widnes school was inspected in July 2014.

A report began: "Pupils are making outstanding progress as they travel through the school. Progress is rapid and has been sustained over the last three years."

Hillview Primary School - 'Good'

Located on Beechwood Avenue, Runcorn, this school was last inspected by Ofsted in July 2023.

The report began: "Hillview is a warm and welcoming school. Pupils’ well-being is at the heart of the school’s ethos. Pupils get on well together. They are kind and courteous. Pupils have adults in school who they can talk to if they have any worries or concerns.

"Any incidents of bullying are dealt with swiftly and effectively by leaders. This helps pupils to feel happy and safe in school."

Murdishaw West Community Primary School - 'Good'

This Barnfield Avenue school was last inspected in March 2023 and was rated good by Ofsted.

An inspector said: "Pupils, including children in the early years, enjoy attending Murdishaw West Community Primary School. They are proud of their school. Pupils appreciate the high expectations that leaders have of their behaviour and achievements. For example, staff greet pupils at classroom doors and check that they are ready for learning. Pupils comment that staff will help them if they have any worries. Pupils feel happy and safe at school."

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Catholic Primary School - 'Good'

Based in Clincton View, Widnes, this school was last inspected in September 2019.

An inspector said: "This school has improved significantly since the last inspection. It is now a good school. Pupils achieve well and thoroughly enjoy coming to school. Attendance is high. The behaviour and attitude of the pupils is exemplary."

St Edward's Catholic Primary School - 'Requires Improvement

Based on Wivern Place, Runcorn, this school was rated at requires improvement when it was last inspected in December 2022.

The report began: "Pupils, including children in early years, enjoy coming to this school. Leaders have created a warm environment that helps pupils to feel happy and safe. Pupils strive to learn together in a caring manner. They live up to the school motto of ‘To love, to serve and learn’."

Pewithall School - 'Outstanding'

This Runcorn school was last inspected by Ofsted back in November 2013.

An inspector said: "This is a very happy school. Its overall performance has been maintained at an outstanding level over a significant period of time. The school is rightly highly regarded by parents and the local community."

Halebank CofE Primary School - 'Requires improvement'

Last inspected in October 2022, this Heathview Road school in Widnes was rated as requires improvement.

The report began: "Pupils, and children in the early years, enjoy coming to this happy and safe school. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong and supportive. Leaders and staff take good care of all pupils, particularly those who are vulnerable."

St Martin's Catholic Primary School - 'Requires improvement'

Located in Murdishaw, Runcorn, this school was last rated by Ofsted back in July 2023.

The report began: "Pupils, including children in the early years, arrive at school happy and ready to learn. Staff forge positive relationships with pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This helps pupils to feel safe in school. Staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour.

"Most pupils behave well during lessons and at social times. Nonetheless, some pupils told inspectors that the behaviour of some older pupils can be boisterous at playtimes. Added to this, too many pupils do not attend school as often as they should."

St Michael with St Thomas CE Primary School - 'Good'

Based in Hough Green, Widnes, this school was last inspected in July 2023.

The report began: "Pupils, including children in the early years, blossom at this school. They feel very happy and safe. Leaders, members of the local governing board (school committee), members of the trust (directors) and staff are united in their ambition to give all pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the best start in their education, academically and socially."

Gorsewood Primary School - 'Good'

Based on Gorsewood Road this school was last inspected in May 2023.

An inspector said: "Pupils thrive in the caring, purposeful and exciting environment of this school. They value the friendships that they have with their peers. They also respect the positive relationships that they enjoy with staff. Pupils are happy at school."

All Saints Upton Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School - 'Good'

This Widnes school was inspected in September 2023.

An inspector said: "Pupils enjoy being a part of All Saints Upton and they are proud of their school. They know that they are expected to work hard and to succeed. Pupils take pride in their learning. This is reflected in the work that they produce and how keen they are to talk about what they have learned."

St Clement's Catholic Primary School - 'Good'

This Oxford Road school in Runcorn was last inspected by Ofsted back in March 2020.

An inspector said: "Pupils get a good quality of education at St Clements. Leaders have high expectations for every child in English and mathematics. Their expectations in other subjects are not as high. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve well."

Victoria Road Primary School - 'Good'

Located in Runcorn, Victoria Road Primary was last inspected by Ofsted in November 2018.

The report began: "Senior leaders have brought about positive changes at the school in a short space of time because they are setting higher expectations for pupils’ progress and attainment."

St Basil's Catholic Primary School - 'Good'

Based on Hough Green, Widnes, this school was last inspected in September 2019.

The report began: "Pupils are happy at the school. Almost all those we met described the school as ‘fun’ or ‘great’ and said that their work in class is usually challenging. Pupils enjoy lunchtime games and extra-curricular activities, including football, rugby, cricket and gymnastics. They enjoy demonstrating that they are good citizens in their various roles, including as school captains."

Runcorn All Saints CofE Primary School - 'Requires improvement'

Based in Runcorn, this school last had a monitoring visit by Ofsted in November 2023 where it was determined that leaders had made improvements but 'more work is necessary'.

The letter began: "Since the previous graded inspection, the school has appointed several new teachers. The deputy headteacher has left, and an acting assistant headteacher is now in post. Furthermore, a new chair of governors has been appointed to the governing body.

"The school has taken appropriate action to address the areas identified for improvement. For example, a number of new subject curriculums have been introduced in key stages 1 and 2."

Holy Family Catholic Primary School & Nursery - 'Good'

This Widnes school had a full inspection back in November 2018.

The report began: "The leadership team has been successful in ensuring that the quality of education at the school has been good during a period of significant change to the staff team."

Weston Primary School - 'Good'

Located on Lambsickle Lane, Runcorn, this school was last inspected back in June 2023.

An inspector said: "Pupils enjoy attending Weston Primary. They told inspectors that they feel safe in school. Pupils look forward to seeing their friends and their teachers each day.

"Leaders and staff have high expectations of all pupils. This includes children in the early years and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils want to achieve all that they can. Overall, they achieve well."

Cronton Church of England Primary Academy - 'Outstanding'

Located in Cronton, this Widnes school which converted to academy status in 2017, was last inspected in March 2013.

The report began: "Achievement is outstanding and has improved since the last inspection. Senior leaders and governors carefully consider what each individual pupil needs in order for them to be happy and successful. Because of this, standards reached by pupils have been well above average over the last five years."

Westfield Primary School - 'Good'

This Clayton Crescent school in Runcorn was last inspected May 2023.

The report began: "Pupils enjoy coming to this happy school. They try hard to live up to leaders’ expectations to be ready, respectful and safe. Pupils have strong relationships with staff. This helps them to feel safe. If bullying should occur, adults deal with it effectively."

Widnes Academy - 'Good'

Based in Widnes, this school continues to be a good according to an Ofsted inspection back in March 2023.

An inspector said: "Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), enjoy attending Widnes Academy. There is a strong sense of community. Parents and carers value the approachability of staff. The cheerful greetings extended by the staff each morning help pupils to feel positive and secure as soon as they arrive.

"Pupils get on well together and play happily with their friends at social times. They understand that everyone should be treated with respect, regardless of their differences."

Weston Point Community Primary School - 'Inadequate'

This Runcorn school has converted to academy status and is part of the Wade Deacon Trust. It received a monitoring visit by Ofsted in September 2023.

In the letter, it stated the school remains in special measures.

An inspector said: "Weston Point Community Primary School remains inadequate and requires special measures. Leaders have made progress to improve the school, but more work is necessary for the category of concern to be removed."

Aston by Sutton Primary School - 'Good'

Based on Aston Lane in Runcorn, this school was last inspected by Ofsted in February.

An inspector said: "Pupils feel proud to belong to this small, friendly school. They appreciate the kind and caring nature of staff and their peers. The school’s values of respect, inspire and achieve underpin pupils’ everyday actions. Newcomers to the school community are warmly welcomed. Pupils celebrate the differences between people."