St Raphael's Catholic Primary School Review 2026: High-Achieving Community in Millbrook

Tucked away in the Millbrook area of Stalybridge, St Raphael's Catholic Primary School serves a community where high academic expectations meet a deeply rooted faith ethos. The school consistently secures some of the most impressive outcomes in the region; its 2024 results placed it as the highest-ranked primary school in Stalybridge. With a capacity of 236 pupils, it maintains a size that allows for a familial, close-knit atmosphere where children are known as individuals rather than statistics.

The school's leadership remains stable and focused on continuous improvement. Mrs Lynn Lakner, the long-standing Headteacher, has guided the school through successive successful monitoring periods. The most recent Ofsted inspection in July 2024 confirmed that the school remains Good, with inspectors noting the ambitious curriculum and the high standards of behavior maintained throughout the school.

The atmosphere at St Raphael's is defined by its Catholic identity, which permeates daily life through prayer, liturgical celebrations, and a focus on Gospel values. This is not merely a religious overlay; it forms the foundation of the school's "Family of St Raphael's" ethos, where mutual respect and kindness are the expected norm. The school building, located on Huddersfield Road, provides a secure and welcoming environment that facilitates both structured learning and social development.

Outdoor space is utilized effectively, particularly for the younger years, where the nursery and reception pupils have access to dedicated areas for physical play and exploration. The school works closely with the Diocese of Shrewsbury and the local parish, ensuring that pupils feel part of a wider spiritual community. This sense of belonging is a significant factor in the school's calm and orderly environment.

The academic performance at St Raphael's is exceptional. In 2024, 92% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 61%. The school ranks 732nd in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and holds the position of 1st in Stalybridge among all primary providers.

Performance at the higher standard is equally notable. Approximately 8% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics in the most recent cohort, which is in line with the England average. Scaled scores reinforce this picture of excellence, with an average score of 109 in reading and 109 in mathematics, indicating a high level of mastery across the core curriculum.

Teaching at St Raphael's is characterized by a structured and ambitious approach. The curriculum is designed to be cumulative, ensuring that pupils build on their knowledge year on year. There is a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, but this is balanced with a broad range of subjects including science, where 92% of pupils meet expected standards.

The school utilizes its nursery provision to give children a head start. By the time pupils reach Key Stage 2, they are well prepared for the rigors of national assessments. Staff use assessment data effectively to identify any pupils who may be falling behind, providing targeted support to ensure almost every child meets or exceeds national benchmarks. The integration of specialist subjects and a focus on high-quality grammar and spelling have resulted in scores that sit well above the England typical range.

As a primary school, St Raphael's focuses heavily on ensuring a smooth transition to secondary education. Most pupils progress to local Catholic secondary schools, particularly All Saints Catholic College in Dukinfield, which is the primary destination for the cohort. The school maintains strong links with these secondary providers to ensure that both academic and pastoral data are shared effectively.

A smaller number of pupils transition to other local community schools or, occasionally, selective grammar schools in the wider Greater Manchester area. The school's high academic standards mean that pupils are generally very well prepared for the increased demands of Year 7, regardless of their destination.

Securing a place at St Raphael's is a competitive process. In the most recent admissions cycle, there were 37 applications for just 20 places, meaning the school is significantly oversubscribed with a subscription proportion of 1.85. For the 2026 to 2027 academic year, the closing date for online applications is 15 January 2026.

As a Catholic school, the admissions policy gives priority to baptized Catholic children, particularly those within the parish. A supplementary information form (SIF) is required alongside the standard Tameside local authority application. Parents should note that being a member of the nursery does not guarantee a place in the main school, though it is a common entry point.

Fees & Financial Aid

St Raphael's Catholic Primary School is a state-funded Voluntary Aided school, meaning there are no tuition fees for the standard education of pupils aged 4 to 11. However, the school provides additional services that involve nominal costs for parents.

• Nursery Wraparound Care: While 15 to 30 hours of nursery care may be government funded for eligible families, additional wraparound care is available at a charge of £10.00 per afternoon session (from 11:45am to 3:15pm).
• Before and After School Club: The school operates an on-site "Before School Club" starting at 8:00am and an "After School Club" until 4:30pm. Each session is charged at approximately £4.00 per day, with a 25% discount available for siblings.
• School Meals: For pupils not eligible for Universal Free School Meals, school dinners are charged at approximately £2.18 per day.

Financial support is available via Tax-Free Childcare vouchers which the school accepts for all extended provision. Families eligible for Pupil Premium may also receive support with the costs of school trips and uniform.

The school's pastoral care is deeply intertwined with its religious character. Wellbeing is viewed through the lens of the "whole child," ensuring that emotional and social development are prioritized alongside academic success. The school maintains a Good rating for its overall effectiveness, and the 2024 Ofsted report specifically praised the school's ability to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) early and effectively.

Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as being part of the School Council or acting as "Buddies" for younger children. This fosters a sense of responsibility and helps to maintain the school's peaceful environment. Staff are described as approachable, and the small size of the school ensures that no child's needs go unnoticed.

Extracurricular life at St Raphael's is varied, with a focus on sport, music, and community service. The school participates in local Tameside sports leagues and offers a range of after-school clubs. Music is a key feature of school life, particularly in its role within liturgical services and specialized performances.

Specialist clubs allow pupils to engage in charitable work and community outreach, reinforcing the school's mission of service. Seasonal highlights include the Nativity plays and various feast day celebrations which involve the wider parent community.

The school day typically runs from 8:55am to 3:15pm. St Raphael's offers a breakfast club from 8:00am and an after school club that operates until 4:30pm, providing essential wraparound care for working parents. These sessions are held on-site and are popular, so early booking is advised.

The school is located on Huddersfield Road, making it accessible via local bus routes and a short distance from Stalybridge town centre. Parking around the school gates can be challenging during peak drop-off and pick-up times, and the school encourages local families to walk where possible.

• Oversubscription: With 1.85 applications for every available place, the school is consistently full. Families must ensure they meet the faith criteria and complete all necessary paperwork on time to have the best chance of admission.
• Faith Commitment: The Catholic character is central to the school's identity. Daily prayer and religious education are integral parts of the curriculum, which is a significant factor for families to consider when applying.
• Small Cohorts: While the small school size is a benefit for pastoral care, it can mean that peer groups are smaller than in larger city schools. This suits many children but is a different dynamic than a three-form entry primary.

St Raphael's Catholic Primary School is a powerhouse of academic achievement in Tameside, offering an education that consistently outperforms local and England averages. It manages to balance this rigour with a warm, faith-led environment that prioritizes character development. Best suited to Catholic families in the Millbrook and Stalybridge area who value a traditional, high-achieving environment. The main challenge for prospective parents remains the high demand for limited places.