Woodheys Primary School is a two-form entry community school in Sale, within the high-performing borough of Trafford. Serving approximately 480 pupils aged 3 to 11, the school is well known for balancing top-tier academic outcomes with a pioneering commitment to environmental sustainability and human rights. As a Gold-accredited UNICEF Rights Respecting School, the culture focuses on empowering children as global citizens.
Academic performance is a significant draw for local families. The school currently ranks 501st in England for primary outcomes, placing it within the top 10% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking). It holds a Good rating from Ofsted, following a successful ungraded inspection in December 2022 that confirmed the school continues to meet high standards under the leadership of Headteacher Mr Jon Beisly, who joined in 2019.
The atmosphere at Woodheys is purposeful and calm, shaped by its "Rights Respecting" ethos. Relationships between staff and pupils are built on mutual respect, a feature noted by inspectors who described behaviour at the school as a strength. The "Growth Mindset" philosophy is central here; children are encouraged to view mistakes as learning opportunities and to take responsibility for their own progress.
Sustainability is a visible pillar of the school's identity. Woodheys was one of the first schools in the country to be awarded a permanent Eco-Schools Green Flag, and the campus features dedicated outdoor learning spaces, including an "Eco-Pod" and a sensory garden. These facilities provide a practical setting for the school's focus on environmental stewardship and global awareness.
The school community is active and engaged. The Parent Teacher Association (Friends of Woodheys) is heavily involved in school life, funding modern resources like the library and IT suite. This collaborative spirit ensures that while the school has grown in size, it maintains the feel of a close-knit community.
The academic data for Woodheys Primary School reflects its status as one of the stronger performers in Greater Manchester. In 2024, 89% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, significantly outperforming the England average of 62%.
High attainment is a particular strength. Over 40% of pupils reached the higher standard in all three core subjects, compared to the England average of 8%. This level of achievement is supported by strong scaled scores; the school achieved 112 in grammar, punctuation, and spelling (GPS) and 109 in both reading and mathematics. These figures place Woodheys in the elite tier of primary schools, ranking it 7th among local primaries in the Manchester area.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
Reading, Writing & Maths
89.33%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
The curriculum is well-designed and ambitious, with a clear focus on core skills complemented by a broad range of subjects. Reading is a top priority, and pupils often speak about their enjoyment of books; phonics results are consistently strong. In mathematics, the school uses a mastery approach to ensure deep understanding before moving on to more complex topics.
Science and the arts are integrated thoughtfully into the school day. Woodheys holds the Primary Science Quality Mark Gilt award and the Artsmark Gold, reflecting a curriculum that values creativity and enquiry. Pupils also benefit from cooking lessons that teach nutrition and healthy eating, alongside specialist-led music and physical education sessions.
Woodheys has an on-site nursery with 26 places, offering both 15-hour and 30-hour options. The nursery is integrated into the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) department, ensuring a smooth transition into Reception. The learning environment is designed to be stimulating and inclusive, with practitioners focusing on communication, language, and personal development.
Nursery admissions are handled directly by the school rather than the local authority. For children requiring 30 hours without an eligibility code, a top-up fee of £75 per week applies. All nursery children are also charged a daily fee of £5 for lunchtime supervision. For current availability and session details, families should contact the school's admissions officer directly.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Pastoral care is proactive and inclusive. The school's UNICEF Rights Respecting status means children are taught to understand and respect the rights of others, which leads to a polite and courteous school community. Safeguarding is effective, with a strong culture of vigilance among staff.
Support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is a priority. The SENCO and a dedicated team of teaching assistants work to ensure that all pupils can access the same ambitious curriculum. The school also places a high value on mental health, with staff trained to support children's emotional wellbeing through various internal pastoral systems.
The extracurricular programme is diverse, with clubs running throughout the term to cater to varied interests.
Woodheys is a Gold Sportsmark school and is often cited as one of the best sporting primaries in Trafford. Popular clubs include Junior Football, Tag Rugby, and Pop Lacrosse.
The school holds a Music Mark and offers several performance opportunities, including the school choir. Street Dance and "Rhythm Fit" are recent additions to the after-school offer.
Pupils are encouraged to take on roles such as sports leaders or members of the "communication team," helping them develop public speaking and organisational skills.
The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Wraparound care is provided on-site by Beanstalks, an external provider that offers a Breakfast Club from 7:45am and an After School Club until 5:45pm. They also operate a Holiday Club during most school breaks, excluding Christmas.
In terms of transport, the school is situated in a residential area of Sale. While many local families walk or cycle, there are good links to local bus routes and the Metrolink.
Woodheys Primary School is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school received 128 applications for its 35 Reception places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 3.66. This high demand means that proximity to the school is a major factor in securing a place for those without siblings already at the school.
Applications for Reception must be made via Trafford Council by the 15 January deadline. Nursery applications should be submitted directly to the school by early February for the following September intake.
Applications
128
Total received
Places Offered
35
Subscription Rate
3.7x
Apps per place
As a primary school in Trafford, a significant number of Year 6 pupils sit the 11-plus examination for local grammar schools. Many progress to Sale Grammar School or the Altrincham Grammar Schools. For those moving into the non-selective system, Ashton-on-Mersey School and Sale High School are common destinations. The school works closely with these secondary providers to ensure a seamless transition for every student.
Woodheys Primary School is a top-tier choice for families in Sale who are looking for academic excellence within a values-driven environment. Its strength lies in its ability to deliver elite results (top 10% in England) while maintaining a focus on sustainability and the rights of the child. It is best suited to families within the local catchment who want a school that is forward-thinking and environmentally conscious. The main hurdle remains the high competition for places.
Yes, Woodheys is highly regarded. It currently ranks in the top 10% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking) and was rated Good by Ofsted in its most recent 2022 inspection. Academic results consistently exceed England averages.
For Reception places, you must apply through Trafford Council by 15 January. For Nursery places, applications are made directly to the school by the February deadline. Because the school is oversubscribed, living close to the school is often necessary to secure a place.
As a state community school, there are no tuition fees for the main school (Reception to Year 6). However, the Nursery has a £5 daily fee for lunchtime supervision. A £75 weekly top-up fee applies for nursery children attending 30 hours without an eligibility code.
Yes, on-site wraparound care is provided by Beanstalks. The Breakfast Club starts at 7:45am, and the After School Club runs until 5:45pm. They also offer a Holiday Club.
In 2024, 89% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics. This is significantly above the England average of 62%. Over 40% of pupils achieved the higher standard.
Get in touch with the school directly
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