Holcombe Brook Primary School Review 2026: A Top-Tier Community School in Bury

Set in a picturesque location on the edge of the West Pennine Moors, Holcombe Brook Primary School serves as a central pillar of its local community in Bury. It is a single-form entry state school, providing a focused and personal environment for approximately 280 pupils. The school currently holds the distinction of being the top-ranked primary school in Bury for academic outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), a position supported by 2024 results that sit well above the England average.

Mr David Westerby has led the school as Headteacher since September 2022, maintaining a culture of high expectations paired with a strong community feel. The school is known for its academic rigour, particularly in mathematics and reading, but it balances this with a curriculum that makes the most of its semi-rural Lancashire setting. For families in the Holcombe Brook and Ramsbottom areas, it represents the gold standard of local primary education, although its popularity means that securing a place remains a perennial challenge.

The atmosphere at Holcombe Brook Primary is one of calm, focused energy. At drop-off, the interactions between staff, pupils, and parents reflect a school where everyone is known by name. The school buildings are well-maintained, blending traditional classrooms with modernised learning spaces that feel bright and purposeful.

There is a palpable sense of pride throughout the school, from the neatness of the pupils in their royal blue uniforms to the high-quality work displayed on the walls. The school values, while not formally tied to a religious character, emphasise mutual respect, resilience, and curiosity. This is a school where children are encouraged to be ambitious for themselves while remaining grounded and kind to others.

The proximity to Holcombe Hill and the surrounding countryside is more than just a backdrop; it influences the school identity. Outdoor learning and environmental awareness are woven into the daily experience, providing a healthy balance to the high academic standards found in the classroom. Pupils appear genuinely comfortable and engaged, benefiting from a stable environment where they are described as happy, polite, and motivated to learn.

Holcombe Brook Primary School delivers academic outcomes that are among the strongest in the region. In 2024, 88% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 62%, marking the school as a high-performing outlier.

The school ranks 1st among all primary schools in Bury (FindMySchool ranking) and sits at 511th in England. This performance places Holcombe Brook in the elite tier of schools in England (national high percentile band).

The depth of achievement is particularly notable at the higher standard. In 2024, 42% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, which is more than five times the England average of 8%. Mathematics is a specific area of excellence; the average scaled score of 111 is well above the England average, with 67% of pupils achieving a high score in the subject. Reading is equally strong, with an average scaled score of 109, compared to the England benchmark of 104.

Teaching at Holcombe Brook is characterised by high levels of subject expertise and a structured approach to the core curriculum. Lessons move at a brisk pace, and teachers use assessment effectively to ensure that no child is left behind while simultaneously stretching the most able.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, moving beyond the core subjects to include specialist provision in music and physical education. The school follows the national curriculum but enriches it with local context. For example, history and geography projects often utilise the industrial heritage of Bury and the physical geography of the Lancashire moors.

The latest Ofsted inspection in December 2024 confirmed that the school has maintained its strong standards, with inspectors noting that pupils thrive and classrooms are exciting, vibrant places for focused learning. In the early years, the focus is on establishing strong foundations in phonics and numeracy. As pupils move through the school, there is an increasing emphasis on independent research and critical thinking. The high percentage of pupils reaching greater depth in writing (15%) suggests a teaching style that encourages technical precision in equal measure with creativity.

As a state primary school, Holcombe Brook has well-established transition pathways to local secondary schools. The majority of pupils move on to Woodhey High School in Ramsbottom, which is the most common destination for the cohort.

The school works closely with secondary providers to ensure a smooth transition, including induction days and the sharing of academic and pastoral data. For families considering selective education, a small but consistent number of pupils each year successfully sit the entrance exams for grammar schools in neighbouring authorities or local independent schools such as Bury Grammar School. The school supports these transitions through a solid academic foundation, though it remains a community primary focused on the broad success of all its pupils.

Admissions are coordinated by Bury Council. Holcombe Brook is a heavily oversubscribed school, reflecting its status as the top-ranked primary in the borough. In the most recent intake cycle, there were 86 applications for just 40 available places.

With 2.15 applications for every place offered, the school is formally classified as oversubscribed. More than half of all applicants list the school as their first preference. After children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and looked-after children, priority is given to siblings and then to those living closest to the school.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates. While the school does not have a formal catchment boundary, the high demand means that the geographic area from which pupils are drawn is relatively small.

The school’s smaller size allows for a highly personalised approach to pastoral care. Staff are attentive to the emotional needs of the pupils, and there is a clear, consistent approach to behaviour management that focuses on positive reinforcement.

Support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is integrated into the daily life of the school. Staff promptly identify pupils who may have additional needs and use their expertise to support them effectively. The school’s 2024 results show that pupils across the spectrum of ability make strong progress, which is a testament to the inclusive nature of the teaching.

Bullying is rare, and when it does occur, it is dealt with through a transparent process. The school also places a strong emphasis on mental health, with regular activities designed to promote mindfulness and emotional resilience.

Extracurricular life at Holcombe Brook is vibrant and well-attended. The school offers a range of clubs that cater to various interests, including the School Choir and a variety of sports teams.

STEM

The school has a growing focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Pupils participate in coding clubs and have access to modern computing equipment. The 2024 science results, where 90% of pupils met the expected standard (above the England average of 82%), reflect the strength of the foundational science teaching.

Sport and Arts

Sport is a significant part of the school week. Utilizing its outdoor space, the school fields teams in football, netball, and athletics, often competing successfully in Bury school leagues. The arts are also well-represented; the school hosts the Pauline Quirke Performing Arts Academy and the Red Tiger Karate Club. Annual highlights include a Year 6 residential and whole-school productions that foster independence and teamwork.

The school day typically runs from 8:50am to 3:30pm. Holcombe Brook offers comprehensive wraparound care through its 4-7-11 Club to support working parents. This includes a Breakfast Club starting at 7:45am (with an early bird option from 7:30am) and an After School Club that runs from 3:20pm to 5:30pm, with an optional extension to 6:00pm from Monday to Thursday.

The school is located on Longsight Road, which can be busy during peak times. Most families live within walking distance, but for those travelling from further afield, parking in the immediate vicinity is limited. The school actively encourages walking and cycling through its travel plan initiatives.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents are expected to cover the costs of school uniform, which can be purchased from local suppliers, and occasional costs for school trips or residential visits. The 4-7-11 wraparound care club is a paid service, and details of current pricing can be obtained directly from the school office. Families eligible for Pupil Premium funding may receive assistance with the costs of trips and certain school activities.

• Fierce competition for places: With over two applications for every place, Holcombe Brook is one of the most difficult schools to get into in Bury. Families living outside the immediate vicinity should have a clear second-choice option.
• Single-form entry limitations: While the small size creates a family feel, it also means that year groups are fixed. Children will likely be with the same peer group for seven years, which suits most but offers less social variety than larger schools.
• High demand for wraparound care: The 4-7-11 club is popular and caters for up to 70 pupils. Parents are advised to pre-book sessions as early as possible to guarantee a place.

Holcombe Brook Primary School is an exceptional community school that consistently delivers some of the best academic results in Lancashire. It successfully combines a high-attaining environment with a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Best suited to local families who want a rigorous primary education with a strong emphasis on core skills and outdoor engagement. The main challenge for parents is the high level of oversubscription; for those who secure a place, the educational experience is arguably the best in the borough.