The Ridge Primary School Review 2026: Strong KS2 outcomes, Forest School, and a clear values-led culture

The Ridge’s Key Stage 2 results place it above the England picture on the measures most parents look at first.

• In 2024, 82% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with an England average of 62%.

• At higher standard, 35.67% reached the higher threshold in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with an England average of 8%.

• Average scaled scores were 108 in reading, 108 in maths, and 108 in grammar, punctuation and spelling.

The school is ranked 2,065th in England for primary outcomes in the FindMySchool ranking (based on official data), and 2nd locally in Stourbridge. With an England percentile of 13.62%, it performs above England average and sits comfortably within the top quarter of primary schools in England.

For parents comparing schools nearby, this is exactly the point where FindMySchool’s Local Hub pages and the Comparison Tool help, because you can view nearby schools on the same measures rather than relying on anecdotes.

The most persuasive signals here are about consistency and sequencing. The 2023 inspection narrative points to subjects being “well sequenced” and increasingly taught in greater depth, with staff checking learning during lessons. It also flags that assessment systems are still being developed in some foundation subjects, specifically around spotting gaps and ensuring pupils retain key knowledge over time. That combination often feels, in practice, like strong classroom routines with a school-wide push to tighten how non-core subjects are checked and revisited.

Reading is positioned as a core strength. Official inspection commentary highlights that pupils read widely, enjoy a “poem of the week”, and benefit from regular assessment and targeted support for those who struggle. The school’s own reading documentation also describes explicit teaching of fluency in every reading lesson, with selected set texts used in Key Stage 2 both for whole-class teaching and, where needed, for additional practice.

Mathematics appears similarly structured. The school describes small-group and individual intervention as timely and responsive, and notes the use of DoodleMaths across Reception to Year 6 as a curriculum-aligned platform to consolidate learning and track progress. The practical implication for families is that children who like clear routines and incremental mastery are likely to feel well held; those who need a more open-ended style may want to ask how lessons balance fluency with problem-solving and reasoning.

As a primary school, The Ridge’s main transition point is Year 6 to Year 7. Families in Dudley should be aware that the local authority states catchment areas do not exist in the Dudley borough, and distance is commonly used when schools are oversubscribed.

That matters because it changes the mindset for planning secondary. Rather than assuming a single default school, families often benefit from visiting a small set of realistic options, understanding admissions criteria early, and checking travel time from home.

The Dudley admissions guide for September 2026 entry also highlights that some secondary admissions may involve additional criteria or supplementary processes, depending on school type.

Reception admissions are administered through Dudley’s School Admissions Service, consistent with the school being described as a community primary maintained by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.

Local authority information for September 2026 primary entry indicates applications opened on 01 October 2025 and the closing date was 15 January 2026.

Demand is clearly the story here. For the most recent admissions cycle there were 96 applications for 30 offers, a subscription ratio of 3.2 applications per place, and the route is labelled oversubscribed. First-preference demand is also higher than available places, with a 1.3 ratio of first-preference applicants to first-preference offers.

Nursery and Pre School entry

Pre School provision is on site from age 3. For early years open events, the school lists specific Pre School open evenings in 2026, including dates in January and April.

Do note that published open events can change year to year; it is wise to verify the latest schedule close to the time.

The school’s safeguarding approach is presented as a whole-staff responsibility, and the official inspection report notes that pupils feel safe and understand how to keep themselves safe, including around online safety.

Support for pupils with additional needs is a visible theme. The inspection commentary describes staff being proficient in identifying needs early, selecting resources carefully, and adapting lessons so pupils with SEND learn alongside peers and achieve well.

One practical note for parents: inspection evidence also records parental concern about disruption from staffing changes in some year groups and the consistency of leadership around SEND, so it is worth asking what has changed since 2023 and how continuity is being protected.

Forest School is a defining feature. The school describes each child receiving a six-week block each year, led by a qualified Forest School leader, with activities including den building, using tools, fire lighting, and safe, supervised risk-taking designed to build confidence and resilience. This is more than a token outdoor club; it is integrated into the yearly experience, which tends to suit children who learn well through doing and exploring.

Music shows up in concrete ways rather than vague promises. Inspection evidence references pupils learning the clarinet as part of wider enrichment. That aligns with school communications and events that repeatedly reference whole-class instrument learning in Year 4.

Sport and clubs appear to run on a seasonal rhythm. Published materials include examples such as Key Stage 2 choir rehearsals, cooking club, wellbeing through art club, and a range of sports clubs and competitions across year groups. The best way to interpret this is as a programme that changes over time, rather than a fixed menu, so parents should check what is currently running for the year group that matters to them.

The published school day is 08:35 to 15:20, with registration at 08:45, and a 32.5-hour week. Pre School hours are published as 09:00 to 15:00.

Wraparound care is a genuine operational offer rather than an afterthought. OSCAR (Out of School Care At the Ridge) is described as the school’s breakfast and after-school club for children aged 4 to 11, and is Ofsted inspected. The OSCAR page lists prices of £5.00 for breakfast, £6.00 for one hour after school, and £9.00 for a full session until 18:00. (As always, pricing can change, so confirm when you enquire.)

Transport will be very family-specific here. The school serves Wollaston and surrounding Stourbridge areas, and families should focus on commute reality rather than assumed “catchment”, especially given the local authority statement that catchment areas do not exist in Dudley.

• Oversubscription is real. With 96 applications for 30 offers and a 3.2 applications-per-place ratio, admission is competitive. Keep realistic alternatives open.

• Assessment in some foundation subjects is still being tightened. The 2023 inspection evidence points to systems still developing for checking gaps and retention outside core areas. This may matter if you prioritise depth across the full curriculum.

• Continuity concerns have been raised before. Official commentary recorded parental concern about staffing turnover and the impact on stability in some year groups, including early years, plus concern about consistency in SEND leadership. It is reasonable to ask what has changed since 2023.

The Ridge Primary School suits families who want a values-led, structured primary with strong Key Stage 2 outcomes and enrichment that feels purposeful, especially Forest School and reading. For many children, the mix of clear expectations, well-established routines, and a broad offer will be a comfortable fit. It is best suited to families who can engage early with admissions planning, because competition for places is the limiting factor rather than the quality of education once a place is secured.