Tarporley CofE Primary School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in a Village Setting

Tarporley CofE Primary School occupies a central position in the historic Cheshire village of Tarporley, serving as a focal point for the local community. The school currently caters to approximately 278 pupils across seven year groups. In 2024, its Key Stage 2 results placed it among the highest performing schools in England, outperforming 90% of primary providers nationally. As a voluntary controlled Church of England school, it maintains a close relationship with St Helen’s Church, and its Christian character is evident throughout the school day.

Mrs Kerry Forrester has led the school as Head Teacher since 2021, fostering a culture of high ambition. The school has consistently maintained a Good rating from Ofsted, with the most recent ungraded inspection in June 2024 confirming that the school continues to be a nurturing environment where pupils thrive. The school is currently oversubscribed, reflecting its strong reputation among families in the Cheshire West and Chester local authority.

The atmosphere at Tarporley CofE Primary is one of quiet purpose and mutual respect. The school motto, Let Your Light Shine, is reflected in the high expectations staff hold for every child. Relationships between staff and pupils are a notable strength; the 2024 Ofsted report confirmed that adults and pupils interact in a respectful way, which fosters a sense of security that underpins their learning.

The school buildings are well maintained, featuring a blend of traditional 19th century sandstone architecture and modern spaces. Outdoor learning is prioritised, with the school grounds used effectively for physical education and play. Collective worship is a daily occurrence, often providing a time for reflection that many families value. Pupils are described by inspectors as curious and keen learners who display a genuine thirst for knowledge.

The academic performance at Tarporley CofE Primary is exceptionally high. In 2024, 89% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, significantly exceeding the England average of 62%. The school ranks 723rd in England out of over 15,000 primary schools, placing it in the top 5% nationally for primary outcomes.

Locally, the school ranks 2nd among primaries in the Tarporley area. The depth of achievement is particularly visible at the higher standard. In 2024, 41% of pupils achieved a high score in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, more than five times the England average of 8%.

Reading is a specific area of strength, with an average scaled score of 110. In the measurement period, 95% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, with 63% achieving at a higher standard. Mathematics performance is similarly robust, with 85% of pupils reaching the expected standard and an average scaled score of 108.

Teaching at Tarporley CofE Primary is characterised by high levels of subject expertise and clear, structured delivery. The curriculum is broad and balanced, designed to pique children’s curiosity while ensuring they master fundamental skills in literacy and numeracy. Teachers use assessment effectively to identify children who may need additional support or further challenge, ensuring that lessons are tailored to the needs of the cohort.

The school employs a BOOKS approach (Bravery, Outward Facing, Opportunities, Knowledge, and Skills) to ensure pupils acquire a deep understanding of their subjects. Specialist teaching is a feature, with a dedicated teacher for French. In 2024, 93% of pupils reached the expected standard in science, demonstrating a strong grasp of the scientific method and factual knowledge.

As a primary school, the focus is on ensuring a smooth transition to secondary education. The vast majority of pupils progress to Tarporley High School and Sixth Form College, which is located nearby. The two schools maintain close links to ensure that curriculum progression is seamless.

The school provides a structured transition programme in the summer term of Year 6, involving visits to the local high school and meetings between staff to discuss pupil progress. For families considering selective options, a small number of pupils annually sit entrance exams for grammar schools in neighbouring authorities or independent senior schools in Chester.

Securing a place at Tarporley CofE Primary is challenging due to high demand. In 2024, the school received 57 applications for just 30 Reception places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.9 applications for every offer. The school is officially designated as oversubscribed.

Admissions are coordinated by Cheshire West and Chester Council. After looked-after children and those with siblings already at the school, priority is given to children living within the catchment area. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered.

For the September 2026 intake, the application process started on 1 September 2025. The closing date for on-time applications is 15 January 2026, with notification of offers scheduled for 16 April 2026.

Pastoral care is deeply rooted in the school’s Christian ethos. The school operates a strong support structure where staff are trained to recognise signs of emotional distress. Pupils describe the school as a caring and nurturing place where they feel happy and secure.

Wellbeing is integrated into the curriculum, and the 2024 Ofsted report highlighted that pupils benefit from wide-ranging experiences that enrich their personal development. The school’s small size allows staff to know individual families well, fostering a partnership between home and school that benefits the child’s emotional development. Safeguarding procedures are robust, with an open and positive culture that puts pupils' interests first.

The school offers a range of extracurricular activities that complement the academic day. The Treehouse before and after-school club provides a safe and engaging space for pupils outside of standard hours. Current club offerings often include sports, creative arts, and music, with the school choir performing at community events.

STEM initiatives are a growing part of the school’s extracurricular offer, with science and design technology leads ensuring pupils have access to industry-relevant projects. Annual highlights include residential trips and participation in athletic and physical activity performances.

The school day at Tarporley CofE Primary typically begins at 8:50am and ends at 3:20pm. For families requiring wraparound care, The Treehouse club offers a breakfast session from 7:30am and after-school sessions until 6:00pm (Monday to Thursday) or 4:30pm on Fridays.

The school is located on Park Road, within walking distance of Tarporley’s high street. Parking in the immediate vicinity is limited during drop-off and pick-up times, and the school encourages local families to walk where possible.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded voluntary controlled school, Tarporley CofE Primary does not charge tuition fees. However, charges apply for certain optional extras and wraparound care services.

Breakfast club is priced at £5.50 per session, while after-school club fees range from £6.50 for an early session to £12.00 for a full session until 6:00pm. The school maintains a clear Charging and Remission policy; no child is excluded from essential activities due to an inability to pay, and families experiencing financial hardship are invited to apply in confidence for the remission of charges for trips or visitors.

• Oversubscription risks: With nearly two applications for every place in 2024, the school is highly competitive. Families living outside the immediate village may find it difficult to secure a place during the initial allocation.
• Faith commitment: The school’s Christian character is genuine and pervasive. Families uncomfortable with daily prayer and explicit religious teaching should look elsewhere.
• Compact village site: The school is beautiful but located on a compact site in the heart of the village. This can make parking difficult during peak school hours, requiring families to plan their travel accordingly.

Consistently strong results and a genuine community atmosphere make Tarporley CofE Primary a sought-after choice for local families. The school combines academic rigour with broad opportunities in a nurturing environment. Best suited to families within the catchment who want excellent primary education with a firm Christian foundation. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist.