Sunny Bank Primary School Review 2026: Outstanding Academic Performance in the Heart of Bury

Sunny Bank Primary School stands as a beacon of academic excellence in Unsworth, Bury, serving a community where expectations for achievement are consistently high. As a one form entry state school, it maintains an intimate atmosphere with a capacity for 210 pupils, ensuring that every child is known individually by the dedicated staff. The school results for 2024 are exceptional, placing it within the top 10% of primary schools in England.

Under the leadership of Headteacher Mr James Gabrielides, who has led the school since November 2020, Sunny Bank has established itself as a high performing academy within the Vision Multi Academy Trust. The school is currently rated Good by Ofsted, following a full inspection in June 2023. Inspectors noted that the school is a happy and welcoming place where pupils are proud of their achievements and meet the high expectations set for their learning and conduct.

The atmosphere at Sunny Bank is one of calm, focused ambition. Despite the high academic stakes, there is a palpable sense of community that stems from its single form entry structure. The school buildings, situated on Hathaway Road, are well maintained and provide a secure, welcoming environment. A significant new building extension was officially opened in July 2025 by long serving governor David Jones, further enhancing the school's facilities.

The school's ethos is built upon a foundation of mutual respect and a shared passion for learning. Classroom environments are designed to be both stimulating and supportive, allowing pupils to feel confident in taking academic risks. This culture of confidence is reinforced by a clear set of values; being Responsible, Optimistic, Ambitious, and Resilient. Parents frequently highlight the accessibility of the leadership team and the school's success in maintaining a small school feel despite its significant reputation for results.

Academic performance is the defining pillar of Sunny Bank Primary School. In 2024, 92% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This figure sits significantly above the England average of 62%.

According to the FindMySchool proprietary rankings based on official 2024 data, Sunny Bank is ranked 785th in England and 2nd among 65 primaries in Bury for primary outcomes. This places the school in the elite national high tier, outperforming 90% of schools in England (top 10% percentile).

The depth of achievement is equally impressive. At the higher standard, 39.3% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 8%. Scaled scores further reinforce this strength, with an average of 110 in reading and 110 in grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS), compared to the national average of 105. Mathematics performance is also strong, with an average scaled score of 108 against the England average of 104.

Teaching at Sunny Bank is characterized by high expectations and a structured, cumulative approach to the curriculum. The school follows the National Curriculum but enriches it with a focus on deep subject knowledge. A dedicated phonics programme is introduced from the beginning of the Reception class, ensuring pupils gain the foundational skills needed for early reading success.

The latest Ofsted inspection confirmed that teachers have strong subject knowledge and select appropriate activities to help pupils acquire new concepts. Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that clearly identifies what pupils need to know and understand. Assessment systems, particularly in mathematics, are used effectively to identify and close any gaps in pupils' knowledge.

As a high performing primary school in Bury, Sunny Bank acts as a significant feeder for the area's most competitive secondary schools. A substantial number of pupils successfully sit entrance examinations for Bury Grammar School, while others progress to highly regarded local community schools such as Unsworth Academy or Parrenthorn High School, which is also part of the Vision Multi Academy Trust.

The school provides a robust transition programme for Year 6 pupils, focusing on both academic readiness and the emotional resilience needed for the move. Staff maintain close links with local secondary providers to ensure the progress made at Sunny Bank is sustained into Key Stage 3.

Securing a place at Sunny Bank Primary School is increasingly challenging. For the 2025 entry, the school was oversubscribed, receiving 84 applications for just 30 available Reception places. This represents a subscription proportion of 2.8, meaning there are nearly three applicants for every seat in the classroom.

Admissions are coordinated by Bury Council. After priority is given to looked after children and siblings, distance from the school gate is the primary criterion. For children starting school in September 2026, the application deadline is 15 January 2026, with National Allocation Day on 16 April 2026. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous allocation patterns.

Fees & Financial Aid

Sunny Bank Primary School is a state funded academy; therefore, there are no tuition fees for attendance.

Financial support is provided to the school through the Pupil Premium grant, which is used to support the attainment of vulnerable pupils. The school's Pupil Premium Strategy for 2023 to 2026 outlines how this funding is allocated to ensure all children, regardless of background, can flourish. Additionally, the PE and Sport Premium is used to enhance sporting opportunities, including the provision of a Forest School. Parents can contact the school office to discuss eligibility for Free School Meals, which triggers this additional support.

Pastoral care at Sunny Bank is integrated into the daily life of each classroom. Because the school is small, staff know pupils well and provide highly personalized care. The 2023 Ofsted report highlighted that pupils are well cared for and feel safe.

The school's commitment to wellbeing is reflected in its personal development curriculum, which teaches pupils about different cultures and how to stay safe, including online safety. Behaviour is a strength; pupils conduct themselves well and demonstrate positive attitudes to their learning. For pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school provides tailored support to ensure they can access the full curriculum alongside their peers.

The school provides a varied extracurricular programme that complements its academic focus. While the offerings change termly, recent clubs have included various sports teams and creative arts. The school also features a Forest School, allowing pupils to develop confidence and self esteem through hands on outdoor learning experiences.

STEM excellence is a growing focus, with enrichment activities designed to foster curiosity and problem solving skills. Annual highlights include Book Week and various educational visits that bring the curriculum to life. The school also encourages pupil leadership through roles such as digital leaders and school councillors.

The school day typically starts at 8:45am and finishes at 3:15pm. For working parents, Sunny Bank offers wraparound care via its own after school club. Specific details regarding session times and availability can be obtained directly from the school office.

The school is located on Hathaway Road in Unsworth, with most families living within walking distance. Parking near the school can be limited during peak times, so the school encourages sustainable travel where possible.

• Intense Competition for Places: With nearly three applications for every one offer, Sunny Bank is one of the most oversubscribed schools in Bury. Families must have a realistic backup plan.
• One Form Entry Social Dynamics: The small cohort size means pupils stay with the same group of 30 children for seven years. This fosters deep friendships but can be socially intense.
• High Academic Pace: The school results are elite because the pace of learning is rigorous. While support is available, the environment is best suited to pupils who respond well to high expectations.

Sunny Bank Primary School is an academic powerhouse that manages to maintain a warm, community centered heart. Its results in 2024 place it among the very best state primaries in England, making it an ideal choice for families who prioritize high attainment. It is best suited to pupils who thrive on challenge and parents who value a school where every staff member knows their child's name. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist.