Ryecroft CofE Middle School Review 2026: A Church of England middle school with strong Key Stage 2 outcomes

Middle schools sit in a rare but valuable educational sweet spot, bridging primary familiarity and secondary subject specialism. Ryecroft CofE Middle School serves pupils from age 9 to 13, typically Years 5 to 8, with leadership structured around an Executive Headteacher and a Head of School.

The school’s most recent Key Stage 2 picture is a strong one. In 2024, 76.33% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, above the England average of 62%. On scaled scores, reading and mathematics both sit at 107, while grammar, punctuation and spelling is 108.

As a Church of England school, faith is woven into its language of values and community life, and it also has formal admissions routes for families who want a Church of England education.

Ryecroft frames its identity clearly: a Christian vision rooted in care, community, humility, perseverance, inspiration and trust, alongside a stated ambition for every pupil to achieve their academic and personal potential.

Leadership is shared across two schools. A letter to families confirms Mrs Annie Grattage was appointed as Executive Headteacher for Ryecroft CE Middle School and Windsor Park CE Middle School, taking up the role from 01 June 2025, supported by on-site day-to-day leadership through a Head of School model.

External evaluation reinforces that ethos is not just branding. The July 2023 SIAMS report grades the school Good overall and describes a Christian vision shaping relationships, behaviour and wellbeing, with collective worship also graded Good.

For a middle school, Key Stage 2 measures are often the clearest comparable benchmark, because they capture the end of Year 6 outcomes within the school’s age range.

In 2024, 76.33% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, above the England average of 62%. At the higher standard, 24% achieved greater depth in reading, writing and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%.

Scaled scores also indicate a confident academic baseline: reading 107 (England average is typically 100), mathematics 107, and grammar, punctuation and spelling 108.

In England, the school’s primary outcomes ranking sits above average. Ranked 2,982nd in England and 2nd in Uttoxeter for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), this places it comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England.

For families comparing options locally, the FindMySchool Local Hub and Comparison Tool can help you place these KS2 indicators alongside nearby schools, especially where school structures differ (first school, primary, middle and upper models).

Middle schools work best when they combine primary-style care with secondary-style specialist teaching, so students begin to experience subject depth before the pace accelerates at 11 to 16.

Ryecroft’s staffing structure shows clear subject leadership and specialist teaching across core and foundation areas, including separate leads for mathematics, English, French, religious education, geography, art, design and technology, computing, physical education, and science.

Reading is positioned as a whole-school priority. The Ofsted inspection report describes an effective reading scheme across both key stages, with additional help for those who need it, and a culture where pupils have frequent opportunities to read and enjoy books.

A faith-informed personal development offer also sits alongside curriculum. The SIAMS report describes a structured PSHCE programme, including exposure to future pathways such as university visits and career exploration, which is unusual to see emphasised for ages 9 to 13 and can be a strength for confidence-building at this stage.

Ryecroft’s age range means transition planning matters twice: first into the middle school model (often at Year 5), then again from Year 8 into an upper or high school.

The school highlights transition continuity through its communication and homework platform, noting that Thomas Alleyne’s High School in Uttoxeter uses the same system, which can reduce friction for students moving on.

Faith and pastoral identity can also smooth this “second transition”. SIAMS describes a community shaped by shared language of values, alongside regular collective worship and opportunities for reflection. For some students, that continuity of expectations and routines can make the jump to a larger upper school feel less abrupt.

Entry is primarily for middle school intake, typically from Year 4 into Year 5 for the following September. Applications are coordinated through the home local authority, and the school’s admissions guidance sets out a clear national-style deadline and offer window for September 2026 entry.

The school’s admissions procedures page states that the application service opens on 01 November 2025, with a closing date of 15 January 2026, and offers made around 16 April 2026. It also notes that late applications are still worth submitting.

Admission arrangements for 2025 to 2026 also set a published admission number of 60. Oversubscription criteria include looked-after children, exceptional medical or social circumstances, siblings, catchment, feeder schools, and a route for families seeking a Church of England education (supported by evidence such as baptism or dedication, and church involvement categories).

If you are distance-checking for a catchment-based application, the FindMySchool Map Search is useful for measuring your home-to-school position relative to how places tend to be allocated. (This school’s last-distance figure is not presented for this record, so families should rely on Staffordshire’s published admissions materials for current distance cut-offs.)

The strongest pastoral systems at this age blend clear routines with structured support, because Year 5 pupils need consistency while Year 8 students are beginning to test independence.

The latest Ofsted report, based on inspection dates 14 and 15 September 2022, states that Ryecroft CofE Middle School continues to be a good school.

That report also confirms safeguarding arrangements are effective, describing a safeguarding culture supported by regular staff training, careful follow-up of concerns, partnership work with families and agencies, and explicit teaching around safety, including online safety.

The SIAMS report adds texture to wellbeing support, describing a strong understanding of spirituality contributing to wellbeing and personal development, plus specific support such as a Christian youth worker and a wellbeing club referenced as an example of peer support for anxiety.

Extracurricular provision is most meaningful when it is not just a list, but a set of activities that develop responsibility, confidence, and belonging. Ryecroft’s enrichment offer is closely tied to leadership roles and community contribution.

A current extra-curricular timetable (Autumn 1, 2025) lists structured lunchtime and after-school options, including Multi Sports with Games Captains and GO Leaders, Reading and Homework sessions in the library supported by Reading Ambassadors and Computing Ambassadors, football training, choir, AV Club for Years 7 and 8, and a Key Stage 3 Rockband or Choir option.

Faith-linked enrichment is also distinctive here. The same timetable references the GLOW Group, and the SIAMS report describes a pupil worship group titled God Loves Our Worship (GLOW) that supports the planning and leadership of worship. For pupils who enjoy responsibility and speaking roles, that can become a genuine leadership track rather than a background activity.

The SIAMS report also highlights pupil-led initiatives such as Go Girl, intended to encourage more girls into sport, alongside action-oriented responses to collective worship themes, for example pupil groups collecting resources to support a school in Kenya after learning about needs there.

The school day timetable is clearly set out. Site access begins at 08:30, with registration from 08:45, and the school day ending at 15:40.

Facilities listed in the parent information booklet include an ICT and library space, two science labs, food technology, art and design and technology areas, and a dedicated music classroom, which suits a middle school model where specialist rooms help students adapt to subject-based learning.

For travel, the school publishes safety guidance that restricts the staff car park to staff, disabled visitors and school buses, and it also encourages walking where feasible and safe cycling practices such as wearing helmets.

• Middle school transitions. Students typically join at Year 5 and then move again after Year 8. That can be excellent preparation, but it does mean two major transition points between ages 9 and 13, which some children manage better than others.

• Faith-based admissions route. Families applying under the Church of England preference category should expect additional evidence requirements and supplementary paperwork, including church verification categories.

• Admissions timing is unforgiving. For September 2026 entry, the published deadline was 15 January 2026, with offers around 16 April 2026. Late applications may still be considered, but families should be ready to act early in future cycles.

• Transport and parking routines. Drop-off and pick-up rely on considerate parking behaviour, with clear rules around the staff car park and safe cycling. If your routine depends on driving right up to the gate, this is worth planning carefully.

Ryecroft CofE Middle School offers a well-defined Church of England identity alongside a curriculum and staffing model that fits the middle years well, with specialist rooms and subject leadership that help students prepare for upper school expectations. Key Stage 2 outcomes in 2024 were above England averages, and both Ofsted and SIAMS describe a community shaped by clear values, routines, and attention to wellbeing.

Best suited to families who want a values-led school experience for Years 5 to 8, and for children who benefit from structured routines, leadership opportunities, and a steady ramp into secondary-style learning before moving on at 13.