St Mary's CofE Primary School Review 2026: High-Achieving Faith School in the Heart of Sale

Consistently strong results and a genuine community atmosphere make St Mary's CofE Primary School a sought-after choice for local families in Sale. Situated on St Mary's Road, this school provides a close-knit environment for approximately 258 pupils. The school's 2024 results place it comfortably within the top 5% of primary schools in England, reflecting a deeply focused academic culture.

The school is led by the Headteacher, Mr Daniel Wright. Under his guidance, the school has maintained its reputation for high standards while leaning into its Church of England heritage. The school currently holds a Good rating from Ofsted (from a 2023 graded inspection), with inspectors noting the strong sense of community and the positive relationships between staff and pupils.

At drop-off, the gates reveal a calm and orderly start to the day. The school buildings, traditional in parts, have been maintained to create a bright and welcoming learning environment. As a Church of England school, the Christian ethos is the bedrock of the school's character. The motto, Strive for Excellence, Shine in God's Light, is reflected in the high expectations set for both behaviour and effort.

There is a palpable sense of stability here. Staff turnover is low, and many families have multi-generational links to the school. The school capacity is 240, but it currently serves 258 pupils, creating a protective, familial atmosphere that parents frequently cite as a primary reason for choosing the school.

The academic performance at St Mary's is exceptional. In 2024, 89% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 61%. The school ranks 493rd in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), which places it in the elite national high tier, outperforming over 95% of schools in England.

Locally, the school ranks 6th among primary schools in the Manchester area. Performance at the higher standard is particularly striking; 17% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. The average scaled score in reading was 111, well above the England average of 105.

Teaching follows a structured and ambitious curriculum. In the Early Years, the focus is on developing strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, with the nursery provision allowing children to integrate into the school's culture from age three. As pupils progress, there is a clear emphasis on subject depth.

Reading is at the heart of the school's curriculum. Science is a notable strength, with 94% of pupils meeting the expected standard, comfortably beating the England average of 82%. Teachers use a variety of evidence-based methods to ensure knowledge sticks, and the high percentage of pupils reaching the higher standard in Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (57%) suggests a rigorous approach to the core basics of the English language.

With just over 250 pupils, the school operates as a nurturing sanctuary. The pastoral care is rooted in Christian values, focusing on kindness and mutual respect. The latest Ofsted report rated personal development as Outstanding, noting that pupils feel safe and well cared for.

The school does not just focus on those who are high achieving; support for pupils with special educational needs is integrated into daily classroom life. Small class sizes allow for more individual attention, and the school works closely with Trafford Local Authority to ensure that any child requiring additional support receives it promptly.

Extracurricular life at St Mary's is varied for a school of its size. The school makes excellent use of its grounds for sport and outdoor learning. Specific clubs often include football, netball, and choir, which performs at various church and community events throughout the year.

STEM excellence is encouraged through various initiatives and coding clubs. Music is also a central pillar, with many pupils taking up instruments and participating in the school's various ensembles. Annual highlights often include residential trips for older pupils, which help to discover new talents and develop independence.

Securing a place at St Mary's is a significant challenge. For the most recent intake, there were 88 applications for just 26 available offers. This represents a subscription proportion of 3.38, meaning there are more than three applications for every available place.

As a voluntary controlled Church of England school, admissions are coordinated by Trafford Council. While the school is inclusive, its oversubscription criteria include looked-after children, siblings, and then distance. Parents looking to secure a place should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical trends.

Nursery Provision

St Mary's offers nursery provision for children from the age of three. The nursery is integrated into the school site, sharing the same Christian values and focus on excellence. This early entry point allows practitioners to build strong relationships with families before children enter Reception.

Learning in the nursery is play-based but purposeful, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. For current nursery fee details and session availability, parents should visit the school website directly. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families; see our guide to nursery funding for more information on how to apply.

The school day typically runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Wraparound care is available to support working families. The school provides a breakfast club and an after-school club on-site.

The school is located in a residential area of Sale with limited on-site parking. Most local families choose to walk, and the school is well-served by local bus routes along the nearby main roads. For those travelling from further afield, Sale metrolink station is approximately a 15-minute walk away.

• Extreme Oversubscription: With over three applications for every place, many local families find themselves on the waiting list. Securing a place as a first preference is essential, but even then, competition is fierce.
• Faith Commitment: The Church of England character is genuine and pervasive. Families should be comfortable with daily collective worship and the integration of Christian values across the curriculum.
• Small School Dynamics: Being a small school means pupils stay with the same peer group for seven years. While this fosters deep friendships, it may feel restrictive for some children who prefer a larger social circle.

St Mary's CofE Primary School is an academic powerhouse that manages to maintain a warm, faith-based heart. Its results in reading and mathematics are among the best in the region, making it an ideal choice for families who value high standards within a traditional framework. It best suits local families who want a small, community-focused school where their child will be known and challenged. The main hurdle is admission; for those who do secure a place, the educational outcomes are likely to be exceptional.