Oldfield Brow Primary School Review 2026: Elite Performance in an Inclusive Setting

Oldfield Brow Primary School occupies a distinctive position within the competitive educational landscape of Altrincham. While the town is renowned for its selective grammar schools, this state primary has carved out a reputation for academic excellence that rivals any local alternative. The school sits in the elite tier, placing it in the top 2% of schools in England, a position supported by recent results where 86% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics.

With a capacity for 450 pupils, Oldfield Brow typically operates as a two-form entry school, though recent adjustments to the Published Admission Number (PAN) have introduced a more intimate one-form entry for incoming Reception cohorts. Head teacher James Cash, who took the lead in January 2023, oversees a team that balances this high-octane academic output with a commitment to the whole child. The school remains a friendly, inclusive environment despite the rigorous standards required to maintain its elite ranking.

The atmosphere at Oldfield Brow is one of purposeful energy. The school serves a diverse catchment in the Oldfield Brow and broader Altrincham area, and there is a visible pride in the collective achievement of the pupils. The physical environment is well-maintained, featuring a blend of traditional classrooms and modernised shared spaces.

The school's ethos is built on core values that emphasise respect, resilience, and a love for learning. These principles are integrated into daily life, from the way pupils conduct themselves in the corridors to the inclusive nature of the playground. The 2024 Ofsted inspection, which graded the school as Good, highlighted that pupils receive an ambitious education and that the school and governors work effectively together to ensure high achievement.Shutterstock Explore

Oldfield Brow Primary School is among the highest-performing in England (top 2%), ranking 285th in the country for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Within the highly competitive Altrincham area, it ranks 4th among local primaries.

In 2024, 86% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, significantly outperforming the England average of 62%. The depth of this achievement is even more apparent at the higher standard. At Oldfield Brow, 50.3% of pupils achieved the higher standard in all three core subjects, compared to a national average of just 8%.

The scaled scores tell a story of consistent excellence. The school achieved an average scaled score of 110 in reading and 110 in mathematics, with an even stronger 112 in grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS). These figures reflect a teaching model that ensures pupils are not just meeting benchmarks but are mastering the curriculum with high fluency.

Teaching at Oldfield Brow is characterized by clear structure and expert subject knowledge. The curriculum is designed to be ambitious, ensuring that all pupils are exposed to a rich variety of content. The 2024 inspection praised the "strong start" children get in the early years, noting that the school has carefully identified the small steps of knowledge pupils should learn.

The school's approach to writing is effective, with 24% of pupils achieving greater depth in 2024. This is supported by a focus on high-quality literature and a structured approach to grammar. Science and the humanities are integrated to help pupils build a cohesive body of knowledge. The nursery provision is fully integrated into the school's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), ensuring a smooth transition into Reception.

The extracurricular life at Oldfield Brow provides a counterbalance to academic rigour. The school offers a range of clubs including Choir, Lego Robotics, and various sports teams. Physical education is a significant part of school life, with pupils participating in local Trafford leagues.

Music is a particular strength, with many pupils taking up instruments through peripatetic lessons. STEM initiatives are also prominent, providing hands-on experiences in coding and simple engineering. Annual highlights include residential trips, such as the Year 6 visit to Osmington Bay, which are designed to build independence and teamwork.

Pastoral care at Oldfield Brow is proactive. The school uses a "key person" approach in the early years and maintains strong tutor-style relationships through to Year 6. Safeguarding is a priority, with inspectors noting a "strong culture of safeguarding" where leaders put pupil safety at the heart of their work.

The school's inclusion team works closely with families to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). While the school is mainstream, it is highly regarded for its ability to differentiate teaching, ensuring all children can access the elite-level curriculum. Behaviour across the school is exemplary, rooted in a system that rewards positive contributions.

Securing a place at Oldfield Brow is a challenge. For the 2026 intake, applications must be submitted to Trafford Council by 15 January 2026, with National Offer Day on 16 April 2026.

For the 2025/26 academic year, the Published Admission Number (PAN) was reduced from 60 to 30. This change makes entry significantly more competitive. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Leavers from Oldfield Brow are well-prepared for secondary education. Given the school's location in Trafford, a significant number of students sit the 11-plus examinations for local grammar schools, such as Altrincham Grammar School for Boys and Altrincham Grammar School for Girls. The school provides specific information for parents regarding grammar school applications to support this transition.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded community school, there are no tuition fees for Oldfield Brow Primary School.

• Nursery: Funded hours are available for eligible families.
• Wraparound Care: The school offers a Breakfast Club and an After School Club. Fees for sports-based after-school sessions are typically around £5 per session, though parents should contact the school office for a full schedule of wraparound care costs.
• School Meals: Lunches are £3.00 per day for pupils in Year 3 to Year 6. Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 pupils receive Universal Free School Meals.

The school day typically runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Breakfast club starts at 7:45am, and after-school provisions generally run until 6:00pm. School meals are provided by Dolce Schools Catering, focusing on fresh and nutritious options.

• Reduced Intake: The reduction in PAN to 30 means that securing a place is now much harder than in previous years when 60 places were available.
• Grammar School Culture: The local area is highly selective. While Oldfield Brow is a community school, the 11-plus culture is pervasive, and many parents will be focused on grammar entry from Year 4 onwards.
• Catchment Pressure: Due to the elite results and smaller intake, the geographic distance for successful offers is likely to be very small. Families should verify current distance trends before relying on a place.

Oldfield Brow Primary School is an academic powerhouse that retains the heart of a community school. Its elite-tier results place it among the best in England, yet it maintains a "Good" Ofsted rating with a focus on a broad and ambitious curriculum. Best suited to families in Altrincham who want a high-performing state education that prepares children for the rigours of Trafford's grammar system while maintaining a supportive, caring atmosphere. The main hurdle is admission; once secured, the education is exceptional.