Goldenhill Primary Academy Review 2026: Elite Performance in a Supportive Community

Goldenhill Primary Academy occupies a prominent position in the Goldenhill area of Stoke-on-Trent, where it has established itself as one of the highest-performing primary schools in the region. While the brick facade and local street setting suggest a typical community school, the academic data reveals an institution operating at the very top of England's primary sector. With 90% of pupils meeting the expected standard in core subjects, the academy serves approximately 236 pupils in a mixed-gender environment.

Mr Steven Martin leads the academy as Head Teacher, overseeing a culture where high expectations are standard. The school became part of the Societas Trust in 2017, a move that has coincided with a period of sustained academic excellence. For families in Staffordshire, this is a school that combines a local, accessible feel with results that outperform the vast majority of schools in England.

The atmosphere at Goldenhill Primary Academy is defined by a sense of quiet purpose and high ambition. Though it serves a local community in Stoke-on-Trent, there is nothing parochial about its outlook. The academy operates as a close-knit community where staff know pupils well, but the focus remains firmly on progress and achievement.

The academy buildings blend traditional primary school layouts with modernised learning spaces designed to facilitate the high levels of concentration required for its curriculum. In the communal areas, displays of pupil work and achievement celebrate the effort required to hit the school's elite benchmarks. There is a palpable sense of pride among the staff, many of whom have seen the school transition through its academy conversion to its current status as a local academic powerhouse.

The academic performance at Goldenhill Primary Academy is exceptional. In 2024, 90% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, significantly higher than the England average of 62%. This performance places the school 160th in England for primary outcomes, according to proprietary FindMySchool rankings based on official data.

Locally, the school ranks 2nd among all primaries in Stoke-on-Trent. The depth of achievement is further evidenced by the higher standard metrics; 47% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of just 8%. This level of performance sits in the elite tier, placing Goldenhill Primary Academy in the top 2% of schools in England.

Teaching at the academy is rigorous and evidence-based, with a clear focus on the mastery of core skills from an early age. The curriculum is structured to ensure that no child is left behind, while simultaneously pushing the most able to reach the higher standard. Subject leadership is strong, particularly in mathematics and reading, where scaled scores of 111 and 110 respectively exceed England averages.

In the classroom, pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their learning. The academy uses a range of assessment tools to track progress in real time, allowing teachers to provide immediate intervention where necessary. The 2023 Ofsted inspection rated the school as Good overall, specifically awarding Outstanding for Personal Development and Early Years Provision.

Nursery Provision

The academy provides an integrated nursery which serves as the foundation for its academic success. By introducing the academy's routines and high expectations at age three, staff ensure a seamless transition into Reception. The nursery environment focuses on early communication, language, and social development, using a blend of structured play and practitioner-led activities.

For nursery fee details, parents should visit the school website directly. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families; parents can refer to the official guide to nursery funding for further information on the 15 and 30 hour schemes. Progression from the nursery to the main school is common, though it is subject to the standard local authority admissions process.

Extracurricular life at Goldenhill Primary Academy is designed to complement the academic curriculum while providing pupils with a broad range of experiences. The academy offers various clubs, including the Goldenhill Choir and several sports teams that compete in local Stoke-on-Trent leagues. The Societas Trust also facilitates cross-school competitions and events, allowing pupils to interact with peers from across the trust.

STEM activities are a priority, with science and computing projects designed to foster interest in technical subjects. Physical education is well provided for, with regular use of the on-site playground and hall for gymnastics and team sports. Residential trips for older pupils, often to outdoor activity centres, are a highlight of the school calendar, focusing on teamwork and personal resilience.

Goldenhill Primary Academy is an oversubscribed school, reflecting its strong local reputation. In the most recent admissions cycle, there were 39 applications for 28 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.39. This means for every place available, there are nearly 1.4 applicants. All first-preference offers were met for those who qualified under the criteria, but the school remains at capacity.

Admissions are coordinated by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates to assess their likelihood of entry. Proximity to the school is a primary factor in allocation after siblings and looked-after children.

The academy maintains a strong pastoral system where the wellbeing of the child is viewed as a prerequisite for academic success. With a capacity of 236, the staff are able to maintain a high level of individual oversight. The academy follows a clear behaviour policy that emphasises respect and responsibility, contributing to the calm and orderly environment noted in official assessments.

Support for pupils with additional needs is coordinated by the school SENCO, Miss Tiffany Woodward, ensuring that specialist resources are available when required. The academy works closely with families to ensure that any barriers to learning are identified early and addressed through tailored support plans.

The school day typically begins at 8:50am and concludes at 3:15pm. Goldenhill Kids Club provides wraparound care on-site. Breakfast sessions run from 7:30am to 9:00am at a cost of £6.50, while afternoon sessions run until 5:45pm for £9.00. The academy is located on Broadfield Road, which can become busy during drop-off and pick-up times, so walking is encouraged for local families.

• Fierce Competition for Places: With a subscription proportion of 1.39, the academy is consistently oversubscribed. Families living outside the immediate Goldenhill area may find it challenging to secure a place during the main intake.
• High Academic Intensity: The results are elite, but this comes from a rigorous and focused curriculum. This environment suits children who respond well to structure and high expectations.
• Elite Performance in a Community Setting: As a one-form entry academy, the small cohort size means that social circles are close-knit. While this fosters a strong community, it offers less social variety than larger three-form entry schools.

Goldenhill Primary Academy is a standout performer that offers exceptional academic achievement within the state sector. Its position in the top 2% of schools in England for primary outcomes makes it a premier choice for parents who prioritise academic excellence. It is best suited to local families who want a disciplined, high-achieving environment where progress is rigorously tracked and celebrated. The main challenge for parents is simply securing a place in this highly sought-after academy.