St Anne's CofE Lydgate Primary School Review 2026: A Village Gem with Elite Academic Outcomes

In the picturesque setting of Grasscroft, where the suburban fringes of Oldham meet the Pennine hills, St Anne's CofE Lydgate Primary School offers a compelling blend of traditional village values and exceptional academic performance. This one-form entry school, catering to approximately 210 pupils, has carved out a reputation as one of the highest-performing primaries in the region. Recent data indicates the school ranks 3rd in Oldham and sits within the top 10% of primary schools in England for Key Stage 2 outcomes. For families seeking a small, community-focused environment that does not compromise on intellectual rigour, St Anne's presents a persuasive case.

The school occupies an enviable position on Cedar Lane, benefiting from a sense of space and tranquility that many urban primaries lack. Despite its historical roots in the local community, the atmosphere is forward-thinking. The Christian ethos of the school is palpable; it is woven into the daily interactions between staff and pupils rather than being a separate or isolated element of the week.

The head teacher, Mr Russell Learmont, was appointed in September 2022, bringing a clear focus on maintaining the high standards for which the school is known. Recent observations confirm the school remains calm and orderly. Pupils rise to meet staff expectations of conduct and achievement, which is a hallmark of the school's culture. The latest Ofsted report, published in July 2025 following a June inspection, identified the school as a place where pupils rise to meet staff expectations and support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is well-handled. The school motto, Working together to be the best that we can be, is visible in the collaborative spirit of the classrooms.

Academic results at St Anne's tell a story of consistent excellence. In the 2024 Key Stage 2 assessments, a remarkable 87% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This figure is significantly higher than the England average of 61% and the local authority average of 55%, placing the school in the elite tier of providers.

Performance at the higher standard is equally impressive. Approximately 10% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, a result that sits above the England average of 8%. The reading scaled score of 110 and mathematics score of 109 both reflect a cohort that is working well above national expectations. These proprietary FindMySchool rankings place St Anne's 806th in England and 3rd in Oldham, confirming its status as a local powerhouse.

The curriculum at St Anne's is designed to be ambitious while remaining accessible. As a one-form entry school, the teaching staff have the advantage of knowing every pupil's individual learning journey. Lessons are characterized by clear explanations and high levels of pupil engagement. The school places a heavy emphasis on core literacy and numeracy, but this is balanced by a broad foundation in subjects like history, geography, and science.

Reading is central to learning here, and phonics teaching is precise. In science, 83% of pupils met the expected standard, closely aligned with the England average of 82%. The school utilizes its Pennine location to enhance learning, with outdoor education and environmental studies forming a natural part of the curriculum. The small class sizes allow for tailored support, ensuring that those who need extra help receive it, while high-fliers are consistently challenged to reach greater depth.

As a primary school, the transition to secondary education is a key milestone. Data from 2020 to 2022 suggests the majority of pupils from St Anne's progress to local secondary schools such as Saddleworth School (52%) or The Blue Coat CofE School (33%). The school maintains strong links with these providers to ensure a smooth transition, particularly for students moving into faith-based secondary education.

The 11-plus culture is present among some families, with a minority of pupils seeking places at selective grammar schools in neighbouring areas or private options. The school supports these transitions through a robust Year 6 programme that focuses on independence and resilience, ensuring pupils are ready for the increased demands of secondary life.

Securing a place at St Anne's is a significant challenge. The school is heavily oversubscribed, a reflection of its local reputation and high rankings. In the last admissions cycle, there were 88 applications for just 30 Reception places, meaning nearly three families applied for every available spot.

Admissions are coordinated by Oldham Council, but as a Church of England Academy, faith criteria play a central role. The admissions policy prioritizes looked-after children and siblings, followed by children whose families are regular worshippers at St Anne's Church, Lydgate, or other Christian churches. Families should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates, as proximity becomes the deciding factor once faith criteria are met.

Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the St Anne's experience. The school's small size creates a "family" feel where no child is overlooked. Pupils feel safe and well-supported, and staff are quick to identify and address any emotional or social concerns.

The religious character of the school provides a framework for pastoral support, focusing on values such as compassion, forgiveness, and service. For pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), the school provides inclusive support, although there are no dedicated "special classes" on site. Instead, support is integrated into the mainstream classroom through high-quality teaching and targeted interventions.

The extracurricular life at St Anne's is varied and active. Despite being a smaller school, it offers a range of clubs that cater to diverse interests. Music is a particular strength, with many pupils learning instruments and participating in the school choir.

STEM Excellence

The school has made strides in its STEM provision, particularly in the use of technology to enhance learning. Specific initiatives include a Coding Club, where pupils experiment with basic programming, and projects that integrate biology and environmental science through hands-on horticulture. Sporting life is also vibrant, with school teams competing in local Oldham primary leagues for football and netball.

The school day typically runs from 8:50 am to 3:15 pm. For working parents, St Anne's offers wraparound care via a breakfast club and an after-school club. Opening times are from 7:30 am to 8:50 am and 3:20 pm to 5:45 pm each school day. These sessions are held on-site and are popular, so early booking is advised. Charges range from £2.50 for shorter morning slots to £8.50 for the full afternoon session.

• Intense Competition for Places: With a subscription proportion of 2.93, getting in is the primary hurdle. Families without a strong church connection or a sibling already at the school may find it difficult to secure a place, even if living nearby.
• Faith Commitment: The school's Church of England identity is genuine and integrated. Families should be comfortable with daily collective worship and a curriculum that reflects Christian values.
• Small Cohort Dynamics: A single-form entry means children stay with the same peer group for seven years. While this fosters deep friendships, it may lack the social variety found in larger, multi-form entry schools.

St Anne's CofE Lydgate is a school that punches well above its weight, combining elite academic outcomes with the warmth of a village primary. It is an ideal fit for families in the Saddleworth area who value a traditional, faith-based education and want to ensure their children are pushed to achieve their full academic potential. For those who secure a place, the educational experience is exceptional, but the main challenge remains the fierce competition at the point of entry.