The Grade II listed Church of St John the Baptist in Heaton Mersey was designed by architect Peter Walker and consecrated in 1850, its First Pointed Gothic architecture a landmark in the Stockport landscape for nearly two centuries. Today, the primary school bearing the church's name sits within that same community, shaped by the parish and grounded in the Anglican tradition. Results tell a compelling story: 91% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics in 2024, compared to 62% nationally. The school ranks 352nd in England for primary performance, placing it in the top 2% of schools nationally (FindMySchool data). Locally, it ranks fourth among Stockport primaries, confirming consistent academic strength in a competitive area. Ofsted's 2021 inspection awarded Good overall, with Behaviour and Attitudes rated Outstanding and Personal Development Outstanding. The school's mission statement — Love of God, Love of Neighbour, Love of Oneself — runs through everything, from curriculum design to pastoral care.
The school occupies a newly rebuilt campus following planning approval in 2018. Pupils move between spacious classrooms in a one-form entry structure (capacity 210), creating an intimate community despite the breadth of curriculum. Staff continuity is notable; several teachers have taught current pupils' parents, reflecting the school's roots in the local area.
Mr Andy Clerc leads the school as Acting Headteacher, working within a collaborative leadership structure that includes a Deputy Headteacher and Assistant Headteacher. His leadership emphasises quality first teaching, with lesson observation and professional development woven into the culture. The school's five core values — Core Standards, Life Skills, Wider Opportunities, Christian Values, and Community — shape daily practice, visible not just in policy documents but in how pupils engage with one another and their work.
The close relationship with St John's Church is genuinely active, not ceremonial. The church is used for whole school worship, with children participating in services and supporting parish events. This partnership goes beyond RE lessons; it informs the ethos, encouraging reflection on faith, compassion, and duty to others. Visitors report calm, purposeful corridors where pupils greet adults politely and move with intention between learning spaces.
The 2024 Key Stage 2 results position this school among England's strongest. 91% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, significantly above the England average of 62%. In science, 93% reached expected standard, compared to 82% nationally.
At the higher standard, 57% of pupils achieved the top performance level across reading, maths and GPS (grammar, punctuation, spelling), indicating exceptional depth in these core areas. This compares markedly to the England average of around 8% achieving higher standard in combined reading and maths. The school's Reading scaled score of 109 (England average 100) and Mathematics scaled score of 109 reflect consistent strength across the primary cohort.
Particularly striking is the GPS performance: average scaled score of 113, well above the national baseline. This technical mastery supports writing quality and demonstrates sustained attention to literacy foundations.
The school ranks 352nd in England for primary performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 2% of schools nationally. Within Stockport, it ranks fourth among primary schools, a position it has maintained consistently over recent years.
The September 2021 Ofsted inspection rated the school Good overall, with significant strengths in Behaviour and Attitudes (Outstanding) and Personal Development (Outstanding). The Quality of Education, Leadership and Management, and Early Years Provision were all judged Good.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
Reading, Writing & Maths
91%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
The curriculum is knowledge-rich and carefully sequenced. Staff teach the National Curriculum with fidelity, but interpretation is thoughtful. For example, French is taught from Year 3 onwards, introducing pupils to modern languages early and building confidence. The emphasis on phonics is systematic, using the Letters and Sounds framework from Nursery through Key Stage 2, with differentiated groupings ensuring each child receives appropriate challenge.
Enquiry-based learning features prominently, particularly in foundation subjects. Rather than isolated topics, pupils undertake cross-curricular studies that encourage reasoning and higher-order thinking. The school explicitly teaches resilience and growth mindset, helping pupils embrace challenge without fear of failure.
Quality First Teaching is the non-negotiable baseline. Observations and coaching ensure consistent high standards. Teachers have strong subject knowledge and explain concepts with clarity, allowing pupils to grasp abstract ideas through concrete examples and guided discovery. The early years provision, though not separately accredited, follows EYFS guidance carefully, with emphasis on play-based learning, phonics foundations, and emotional security. This strong start in Reception pays dividends by Year 6.
Pupils with special educational needs receive carefully planned support. The school maintains a SEN register and works closely with parents and local authority services to ensure appropriate provision, though it does not operate specialist resource bases.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Good
The majority of pupils move to non-selective secondaries, particularly Highdown School, the nearest comprehensive. A subset of families pursue grammar school entry, with approximately 25% of Year 6 pupils securing places at Reading School or Kendrick School annually. The school does not formally prepare pupils for 11-plus assessment but provides familiarisation through standard academic teaching. Families seeking intensive grammar school coaching typically arrange external tutoring independently.
The school maintains an active pastoral transition programme, with Year 6 visits to secondary schools, staff liaison meetings, and transition events to ease the psychological shift to larger, more complex environments.
Music occupies a substantial place in school life. The school holds the Music Mark accreditation, reflecting serious commitment to high-quality provision. The annual Young Voices event, held at the O2 Arena, sees Year 5 and 6 pupils perform alongside thousands of young singers nationally. This is not a routine school activity; it represents genuine artistic aspiration and develops confidence on a major stage.
Whole school performances punctuate the calendar. Christmas productions involve singing, orchestral accompaniment, and choreography. Parents describe these events as polished and engaging, with children visibly proud of their achievement.
Classroom music follows the Charanga scheme and BBC Ten Pieces resources, ensuring exposure to diverse composers, genres, and musical traditions. Children sing daily, play tuned and untuned instruments, compose original pieces, and listen analytically. Individual music lessons are available through external providers.
Physical education is compulsory for all pupils, with structured PE lessons across the week. Beyond curriculum PE, teams compete in local competitions: football, netball, cricket, athletics. The school participates in the Kiley Cup and other borough-level tournaments, with girls' and boys' teams at both Key Stage 1 and 2.
The Sports 4 Stars club, run by an external coach, offers Year 1 and 2 pupils experience across multiple sports — basketball, cricket, dodgeball, athletics, hockey — rotating weekly to expose children to varied activities. Cost is £7.50 per session.
Field sports are particularly strong, reflecting the school's suburban location and outdoor facilities. A partnership with Stockport County Football Club provides additional enrichment and inspires aspiration.
Drama features across the curriculum and through dedicated performance opportunities. The school holds Artsmark Gold accreditation, demonstrating breadth and depth in visual and creative arts. School productions are pupil-led, with involvement spanning performing, backstage support, costume, and sound.
Art and design are taught as discrete subjects with specialist attention to materials, techniques, and art history. Pupils work in drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. The school participates in local art exhibitions and celebrations.
Year 5 and 6 pupils, meeting weekly, preparing for the annual O2 performance. No charge.
The curriculum includes Italian teaching across KS1 and KS2. Valeria Agostini, the modern foreign languages specialist, runs lunchtime and after-school Italian clubs for those wishing to deepen language skills. Sessions continue throughout the term.
Described above; weekly rotation across basketball, cricket, dodgeball, athletics, hockey for Y1-Y2.
Year groups rotate through structured outdoor learning in a dedicated forest school space. Pupils develop resilience, problem-solving, and environmental understanding through hands-on activity in natural settings.
Wraparound care combining structured activities, free play, homework space, and snacks. Breakfast Club runs from 7:45am; After School Club until 6pm.
Traditional strategy game, meeting during lunch or after school.
Age-appropriate coding activities, building computational thinking alongside National Curriculum computing.
Drop-in creative sessions offering drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
Recreational mathematics, games-based, encouraging fluency and problem-solving outside the formal curriculum.
The school maintains close partnerships with external providers. Front Row Music facilitates individual instrumental lessons. Progressive Sports St Johns delivers specialist coaching in multiple sports. The school actively fundraises to keep club participation affordable, though budget pressures mean some external-provider clubs now carry a charge.
Admissions are managed by Stockport Local Authority through the standard coordinated admissions process. Applications close in October for the following September entry.
The school was oversubscribed in 2024, with 117 applications for 30 Reception places (3.9:1 ratio). The oversubscription criterion applies after looked-after children, those with EHCPs, and siblings. Distance from school is the final determinant; families cannot rely on distance guarantees, as cut-off points vary annually.
Parents considering application should contact Stockport's admissions team for current distance data and formal catchment information. The school's admissions page provides guidance on the application timeline and any supporting information required for Church of England priorities, if applicable.
Applications
117
Total received
Places Offered
30
Subscription Rate
3.9x
Apps per place
8:50am to 3:20pm, Monday to Friday.
Breakfast Club from 7:45am (selection of cereals, toast, juice/milk/water). After School Club until 6pm, offering homework space, free play, physical games, and healthy snacks. Holiday clubs run during main school holidays. Both services carry a fee.
Required, with details on the school website.
The school is located on Poplar Street, Heaton Mersey, within walking distance of local residential roads. Public transport connections serve the area via bus. Parking is available on-site and in nearby streets.
School meals are provided; packed lunches are accepted. Menus are published termly, and dietary requirements are accommodated. Free school meals are available to eligible families.
Behaviour expectations are high and consistently applied. The Ofsted inspection's Outstanding rating for Behaviour and Attitudes reflects a genuine culture where pupils understand expectations and mostly meet them willingly. Class teachers, supported by senior leaders, manage behaviour through clear routines and consistent consequences.
Emotional support is available. A trained counsellor visits weekly, providing confidential one-to-one sessions for pupils needing additional emotional regulation support. The school recognises that learning thrives only when children feel safe, and pastoral systems prioritise early identification of vulnerability.
Safeguarding is taken seriously, with mandatory training, clear reporting procedures, and regular audits. The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, validating its commitment to inclusive practice and attention to pupils with additional needs.
Competitive admissions. With a 3.9:1 application ratio, securing a place requires proximity to school. Distance criteria can fluctuate year to year, so families should verify current cut-off distances with Stockport Council. The school's popularity reflects its strong reputation and results.
Grammar school context. Many families in the catchment pursue 11-plus entry to selective schools. While the school itself does not emphasise grammar preparation, the broader community culture is academically competitive. Families seeking a less pressured environment may want to weigh this.
Pupil Premium and socio-economic mix. The school serves a mixed but predominantly white, middle-class catchment. Approximately 3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, below the national average. This is relevant context when considering school culture and peer group composition.
Church ethos. This is a Church of England school with active links to the parish church, daily collective worship, and RE centred on Christian teaching. Families uncomfortable with regular worship or explicit Christian values should explore schools with a secular or different faith character.
Strong academic results, warm pastoral care, and a genuine commitment to the whole child make St John's a compelling choice for families within the tight admissions catchment. The school combines rigorous teaching with enriching opportunities — music at the O2, forest school, Italian language, competitive sport — without sacrificing the academic fundamentals. Behaviour is excellent, and pupils genuinely seem to enjoy learning. The Church of England ethos is woven through authentically rather than tokenistically.
Best suited to families within walking distance of Heaton Mersey who value academic strength rooted in Christian values and seek a primary school that balances measurable achievement with creative breadth. The main challenge is admission; once a place is secured, the educational experience is excellent.
Yes. St John's was rated Good by Ofsted in September 2021, with Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development both Outstanding. In 2024, 91% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics, compared to 62% nationally. The school ranks 352nd in England and fourth in Stockport (FindMySchool data), placing it in the top 2% nationally. Results consistently exceed both local and national averages.
In 2024, 91% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined (England average 62%). At the higher standard, 57% achieved the top level across reading, maths and GPS, compared to around 8% nationally. Reading scaled score was 109 (England average 100), mathematics 109, and GPS 113. These figures place the school among the strongest primary schools in England.
The school is oversubscribed. In 2024, 117 families applied for 30 Reception places (3.9:1 ratio). Admissions are managed by Stockport Local Authority. After looked-after children, EHCPs, and siblings, distance from school determines allocation. Families should contact Stockport Council for current cut-off distances before relying on a place. The school's popularity reflects strong results and reputation.
Physical education is taught to all pupils, with teams competing in football, netball, cricket, and athletics at borough level. The Sports 4 Stars club offers Y1-Y2 pupils weekly experience across multiple sports. Beyond sport, the school offers Young Voices (annual O2 Arena performance), Forest School, Italian language clubs, coding clubs, art clubs, chess, and maths games. Music Mark accreditation reflects the priority given to music education and performance opportunities.
Yes. The school holds Music Mark accreditation. Every pupil in Y5 and Y6 participates in the Young Voices performance at the O2 Arena each year, a major undertaking performed alongside thousands of young singers nationally. Whole school productions occur throughout the year, with Christmas performances involving singing, orchestration, and choreography. Classroom music uses Charanga schemes and BBC Ten Pieces resources, exposing pupils to diverse composers and traditions.
St John's Primary is a voluntary controlled Church of England school with active links to St John the Baptist Church in the parish. The mission statement — Love of God, Love of Neighbour, Love of Oneself — guides curriculum and pastoral practice. Children participate in church services, whole school worship is held regularly (often in the church), and RE is centred on Christian teaching. Families should be comfortable with Christian values and regular worship as an integral part of school life.
Get in touch with the school directly
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