Woodseaves CE Primary Academy Review 2026: Elite Performance in a Rural Setting

In the quiet village of Woodseaves, between Stafford and Market Drayton, sits a small primary school that is currently punching far above its weight. Woodseaves CE Primary Academy, part of St Bartholomew's CE Multi Academy Trust, serves a modest cohort of just over 100 pupils, yet its academic outcomes in 2024 were nothing short of extraordinary. The school currently sits in the elite tier of English primaries, ranking 46th in England and 1st in Stafford for key stage 2 outcomes (FindMySchool ranking).

The school serves a rural community where the traditional red brick building provides a familiar anchor. Despite its small size, the academy has cultivated a culture of high expectation that has seen every single pupil in the latest cohort reach the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics. For families seeking a village school atmosphere without compromising on academic rigour, this is a compelling proposition.

The atmosphere at Woodseaves is defined by its scale; with a capacity of 105, it is a place where every child is a known quantity. The academy’s Church of England heritage is woven into daily life, guided by the Christian values of Trust, Thankfulness, Compassion, and Fellowship. These are not merely decorative sentiments but are integrated into the behaviour policy and the way pupils interact across different age groups.

Mrs Michelle Easthope has served as the Headteacher since September 2019, providing stability and a clear academic focus. Under her leadership, the school has transitioned into a high-performing academy while maintaining the Good rating awarded by Ofsted. The latest inspection findings highlight a school where pupils feel safe, happy, and well-supported, with a curriculum that is both ambitious and well-sequenced.

The school physical environment reflects its rural Stafford location. It is a traditional setting that has been modernised to include interactive technology in classrooms and well-utilised outdoor spaces for play and physical education. The small cohort size allows for a family-like feel, particularly during lunchtimes and whole-school assemblies.

Academic performance at Woodseaves CE Primary Academy is exceptional. In 2024, 100% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 61%.

The depth of achievement is equally impressive. At the higher standard, 45% of pupils achieved greater depth across all three subjects, compared to the England average of just 8%. Individual subject scores tell a similar story of excellence:

• Reading: 100% met the expected standard, with an average scaled score of 110 (England average: 105).
• Mathematics: 100% met the expected standard, with an average scaled score of 112 (England average: 104).
• Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling: 93% met the expected standard, with a particularly high average scaled score of 115.

These results place the academy in the elite tier, representing the top 2% of schools in England. Specifically, Woodseaves ranks 46th in England out of over 15,000 schools, and is the top-ranked primary school in the Stafford area according to FindMySchool rankings.

Teaching at Woodseaves is characterised by expert subject knowledge and a highly personalised approach. Because year groups are small, teachers can identify gaps in understanding almost immediately and adjust their planning accordingly. The curriculum follows the national framework but is enriched with local context and a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy from the earliest stages.

The school utilises mixed-age classes, a common feature in rural primaries, which requires sophisticated planning to ensure all pupils are challenged. Younger pupils often benefit from observing more advanced work, while older pupils have opportunities to consolidate their knowledge by mentoring others. Science is a particular strength, with 100% of pupils reaching the expected standard in 2024, well above the England average of 82%.

The school small size is its greatest pastoral asset. Staff are able to monitor the emotional wellbeing of every pupil closely, and the Christian ethos provides a framework for resolving conflicts and encouraging empathy. The Good Ofsted rating reflects a culture where safeguarding is effective and pupils personal development is a priority.

There is a dedicated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) who ensures that pupils with additional needs receive tailored support. While the school does not have a specialist unit, the high staff-to-pupil ratio means that interventions can be delivered effectively within the classroom setting.

Extracurricular life at Woodseaves focuses on building confidence and physical health. The school makes excellent use of its grounds for sport and outdoor learning. Specific clubs vary by term but typically include football, netball, and creative arts.

Music and drama are encouraged through seasonal performances and assemblies, allowing children to develop public speaking skills from a young age. The school also engages with the local St Lawrence Church and the wider Woodseaves community for seasonal festivals and charitable projects, fostering a sense of civic responsibility.

Woodseaves CE Primary Academy is currently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 28 applications for just 10 available places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 2.8. This means there are nearly three applicants for every one seat in the Reception class.

Admissions are handled by Staffordshire County Council. Priority is given to looked-after children, followed by those with siblings already at the school, and then by proximity to the school gate. As a Church of England school, the academy may also consider faith-based criteria if the school is oversubscribed, though local demand remains the primary driver. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their distance from the school compared to previous intake patterns.

Most pupils transition to secondary schools within the Stafford or Gnosall areas. Common destinations include King Edward VI High School in Stafford or Newport Girls High School and Adams' Grammar for those who pursue the selective route in nearby Shropshire. The academy provides transition support, including taster days and visits from secondary staff, to ensure pupils feel confident moving from their small village environment to much larger secondary campuses.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. Recognising the needs of working parents, Woodseaves offers daily before and after-school childcare. Breakfast club starts at 7:45am, while the after-school club operates until 6:00pm. In 2026, the breakfast club is priced at £5.50 per session, with after-school sessions ranging from £6.00 to £15.00 depending on the duration of the stay.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Woodseaves CE Primary Academy has no tuition fees. Parents are not charged for standard daytime education. Costs for nursery sessions outside of the universal government funding are £15.00 per three-hour session (£33.00 for a full day). Families eligible for 15 or 30 hours of government funding can apply these to their nursery sessions. Details on nursery pricing and government-funded hours are available on the school website.

• Small Cohort Dynamics: With only 10 to 15 pupils per year group, the social circle is intimate. While this fosters deep friendships, it may be a challenge for children who prefer a larger, more varied peer group.
• High Competition for Places: With a subscription ratio of 2.8, securing a place is difficult. Families living outside the immediate Woodseaves area may find it challenging to gain entry without a sibling connection.
• Mixed-Age Classes: The use of split-year classes is necessary for the school structure. While teaching is excellent, parents should be comfortable with the pedagogical approach of children from different years learning in the same space.

Woodseaves CE Primary Academy is an academic powerhouse disguised as a quiet village school. Its 2024 results are truly elite, placing it among the very best in England. It successfully combines a nurturing, faith-based environment with the kind of rigorous outcomes usually associated with high-pressure urban schools. It is best suited to families in the Stafford area who value a small, close-knit community but want their children to reach the highest possible academic standards.