All Souls Church of England Primary School Review 2026: A Heywood Gem with Elite Academic Outcomes

In a suburban pocket of Heywood where residential streets meet the legacy of Greater Manchester's industrial heritage, All Souls Church of England Primary School stands as a significant academic heavyweight. With a school capacity of 204, it operates as a smaller, close-knit community where every child is visible. The school's 2024 Key Stage 2 results are not merely strong; they are exceptional, placing the school at the very top of local rankings.

Ranked 1st among all primary schools in Heywood and 488th in England, All Souls sits within the top tier of schools nationally (FindMySchool ranking). For families seeking a faith-based education that does not compromise on rigorous academic standards, this school represents one of the most compelling options in the Rochdale local authority.

The atmosphere at All Souls is defined by its Church of England heritage and a clear sense of purpose. As a mixed-gender, mainstream school, it serves a diverse local population while maintaining a distinct Christian ethos. Mrs Lisa Pearson, who took over the headship in September 2024 following the long and successful tenure of Mrs Gaynor Rennie, has maintained an environment where high expectations are matched by a supportive, inclusive culture.

The school's building on Rye Street reflects a traditional primary setting that has been meticulously managed to provide modern learning spaces. Despite its relatively small capacity, the school feels spacious and orderly. The latest Ofsted inspection in December 2023 awarded the school an Outstanding rating across every single category. Inspectors noted that pupils show immense pride in their school and behave with a level of maturity that exceeds their years.

There is a palpable sense of community here. The religious character is integrated into daily life through collective worship and a curriculum that emphasises moral development. Parents often describe the school as a family, where the older pupils naturally look out for the younger ones, particularly during shared activities and playtimes.

The academic performance at All Souls Church of England Primary School is remarkably high, consistently outperforming both local and England averages by significant margins. In 2024, 86% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is substantially higher than the England average of 61% and the Rochdale average of 57%.

The depth of achievement is even more striking at the higher standard. Specifically, 18% of pupils achieved a high score in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to a national average of just 8%.

Key metrics from the latest data include:

• Reading: 89% met the expected standard, with an average scaled score of 108.
• Mathematics: 93% met the expected standard, with a stellar average scaled score of 110.
• Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (GPS): 93% met the expected standard, with an average scaled score of 112.

These results place the school in the elite tier of primary outcomes in England, demonstrating that the teaching staff are highly effective at stretching the most able pupils while ensuring the vast majority reach national benchmarks.

Teaching at All Souls is characterised by its precision and ambition. The curriculum is broad and balanced, but there is an undeniable strength in core literacy and numeracy. The 71% of pupils achieving a high score in GPS suggests a very structured and successful approach to technical English skills.

In the classroom, teachers use a variety of methods to keep pupils engaged. Mathematics is a particular highlight, where the use of concrete resources and problem-solving tasks helps pupils develop a deep conceptual understanding. Science provision is also strong, with 89% of pupils reaching the expected standard, well above the England average of 82%.

The school includes nursery provision, allowing children to begin their educational journey at age three. This early start is utilised effectively to establish routines and early phonics skills, ensuring that pupils are "school-ready" by the time they enter Reception.

As a Church of England school, pastoral care is rooted in Christian values of kindness and mutual respect. The school is not large, which allows the staff to maintain a granular understanding of every child's emotional and social needs. There are no designated special classes, but the school is highly regarded for its inclusive approach to pupils with additional needs within the mainstream setting.

Wellbeing is treated as a priority rather than an afterthought. The school utilizes a range of initiatives to support mental health, including quiet reflection spaces and a robust buddy system. The 2023 Ofsted report highlighted that pupils feel safe and are confident that staff will resolve any issues quickly and fairly.

The extracurricular programme is designed to broaden horizons beyond the Heywood postcode. The school offers a variety of clubs that cater to different interests, including the school choir, which performs at local church events, and a popular coding club that utilises the school's updated ICT suite.

Sporting opportunities are varied, with pupils regularly representing the school in local Rochdale competitions for football, netball, and athletics. Outdoor learning is also a feature. The school makes good use of its grounds to provide activities which build resilience and teamwork. Residential trips for Year 6 pupils are a cornerstone of the school calendar, often involving outdoor pursuits that challenge students in a non-academic environment.

Securing a place at All Souls is a significant challenge for local families. The school is heavily oversubscribed, reflecting its reputation and Outstanding rating. For the most recent intake, there were 136 applications for only 30 available places. This results in a subscription proportion of 4.53, meaning there are roughly four and a half applications for every one desk.

Admissions are coordinated by Rochdale Local Authority. As a voluntary aided school, the governors set the admissions policy, which gives priority to children of the faith, siblings, and those living in close proximity. Parents are strongly advised to use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their distance from the Rye Street gates, as proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. All Souls provides a "WRAP Club" which is run by trained staff employed directly by the school. Morning club starts at 8:00am, and the after school club runs until 5:45pm, providing vital flexibility for working parents. Breakfast and a light tea are provided for those attending.

Transport to the school is primarily local. Most families arrive on foot or by car. Rye Street can become congested at peak times, so the school encourages walking where possible. For families looking to compare these facilities with other local options, the Local Hub page provides a side-by-side Comparison Tool.

• Exceptional Competition: With over 4 applications for every place, this is one of the hardest schools to get into in the region. Families must have a clear "Plan B" if they are not in the highest priority categories.
• Academic Intensity: While the environment is nurturing, the results indicate a high-paced academic culture. This suits most children well but may feel pressured for those who prefer a less results-oriented environment.
• Faith Commitment: The Church of England character is genuine and pervasive. Families uncomfortable with daily prayer, regular Masses, and explicit religious teaching should look elsewhere.
• Small Cohort: A one-form entry (30 pupils per year) creates a very intimate environment. While this ensures personalized attention, it also means a smaller social circle for pupils as they grow.

All Souls Church of England Primary School is an academic powerhouse that maintains the heart of a small community school. It is an ideal fit for families who value a structured, faith-led education and who are seeking some of the best Key Stage 2 outcomes in Greater Manchester. Best suited to academically ambitious families who live in the immediate Heywood area or have a strong commitment to the Church of England. The primary hurdle is simply the mathematics of the admissions process.