Question 1

Is Christ Church CofE Primary School a good school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2022. Academic results are very strong: 90% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics in the current dataset. The school ranks 738th nationally (FindMySchool academic ranking), placing it in a very strong national band. Behaviour is excellent, wellbeing is supported actively, and music provision is particularly strong with all children learning glockenspiel and Year 2 pupils learning violin with specialist teachers.

Question 2

What are the fees at Christ Church CofE Primary School?

Accepted Answer

This is a state school with no tuition fees. All pupils receive free education. The school is a voluntary aided Church of England school maintained by Oldham Local Authority. Families are expected to purchase uniform and may incur costs for educational trips, music lessons beyond the core curriculum, and school meals (though free school meals are available to eligible families).

Question 3

How competitive is admission to Christ Church?

Accepted Answer

Very competitive. The school is significantly oversubscribed with 1.74 applications per place (66 applications for 38 places in recent rounds). After looked-after children and those with EHCP, places are allocated by distance from the school gates. The last distance offered was 0.42 miles in recent years, meaning only families living very close to the school are likely to secure a place. Distances vary annually; verify current distances with Oldham Local Authority before applying.

Question 4

What are the KS2 results like?

Accepted Answer

Very strong. 90% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. Scaled scores reached 108 in reading, 109 in mathematics, and 108 in grammar/punctuation/spelling. 10% achieved the higher standard across reading, writing and maths combined. These figures place the school well above the baseline across core areas.

Question 5

What is the music and arts provision like?

Accepted Answer

Outstanding. The school holds the Music Mark Award for high-quality music education. All children learn glockenspiel; Year 2 pupils learn violin with a specialist teacher. The after-school choir is oversubscribed and performs publicly at local church services. Drama is integrated throughout the year with performances by pupils. Arts enrichment includes ballroom dancing clubs and access to theatre, museums, and galleries through educational visits.

Question 6

Does Christ Church have a strong sports programme?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The school holds School Games accreditation and runs football, netball, and other sports clubs after school. PE is taught throughout the year with curriculum lessons for all pupils. The school also offers ballroom dancing as an enrichment activity. School trips to outdoor activity centres supplement learning in school.

Question 7

What is the school's Church of England character like?

Accepted Answer

It is genuine and pervasive. The school has active links to two local churches (Christ Church and St Saviour's), with weekly worship, regular RE lessons, and Christian values explicitly integrated throughout the school day. Pupils visit churches and take part in services marking important dates in the Christian calendar. The Diocese of Manchester provides oversight, and the school undergoes regular SIAMS inspections focusing on its church character.

Question 8

What is the catchment area?

Accepted Answer

There is no formal catchment boundary. Places are allocated by distance from the school gates. In recent years, the last distance offered was 0.42 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families should verify current distances with Oldham Local Authority before applying, as only those living very close are likely to secure entry.

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