Crossacres Primary Academy

In 2024-25, 67% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at the end of KS2, compared with 60% in England. That figure was 70% in 2022-23 and 64% in 2023-24, so results have stayed above the national picture while moving around a little. The weaker point is the higher standard: 2% of pupils reached it, against 8% nationally. Absence data is not published here.

What Ofsted found

The school was inspected on 24 and 25 January 2023 and judged Outstanding overall and in every area, including early years. It was the school's first inspection as an academy; its predecessor school was also judged outstanding.

Inspectors describe a carefully planned curriculum where leaders have identified the key knowledge pupils need "and by when". Reading is central, with books matched to the sounds pupils know. Behaviour was a clear strength: pupils "behave exceptionally well in lessons and at social times". The report also highlights a "vast array of clubs" and roles such as prefect and anti-bullying ambassador. Pupils with SEND are identified early and learn alongside their classmates. The report does not list specific areas to improve.

The school's website says its curriculum is designed to address social disadvantage in the area and includes Forest Schools and music lessons. These are the school's own claims.

How it compares nearby

Nearby primaries vary widely. Gatley Primary School (0.5 mi, Outstanding) recorded 93% at the KS2 expected standard, and Lum Head Primary School (0.7 mi) 78%, both above Crossacres' 67%. Haveley Hey Community School (0.7 mi) recorded 59%, St Elizabeth's Catholic Primary School (0.5 mi, Good) 52% and Ss John Fisher and Thomas More Catholic Primary School (0.6 mi) 48%. Peel Hall Primary Academy (0.4 mi) is rated Inadequate, with 31%. Given its intake, Crossacres' results stand out in its immediate area.

Who it may suit

Crossacres may suit families who want a large, orderly school with a nursery, clear routines and plenty of clubs and responsibilities. The Ofsted findings on SEND support may reassure parents of children who need extra help.

Parents of children working well above age expectations may want to ask how the school stretches the most able, given the low higher-standard figure. As the school is well over capacity, check the admissions policy and Manchester's admissions booklet early. Since the report dates from January 2023, it is also worth asking what has changed since.

May suit: Families in Wythenshawe looking for a large, highly structured primary with a nursery, strong behaviour and a broad range of clubs and responsibilities.

Drafted with the help of AI tools from our research notes and the sources above, then checked and edited by EduNavigate Research Team before publishing.