Willow Grove Primary School

Willow Grove Primary is performing well, achieving a 'Good' rating in all areas assessed. The school has a welcoming atmosphere where pupils are happy and have positive relationships with each other and staff. Staff support pupils effectively, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities, helping them successfully bridge gaps in their learning. However, there are inconsistencies in a few curriculum areas, leading to some pupils missing out on key knowledge that could support their future learning. Leaders have made improvements, particularly focusing on reading, ensuring that pupils develop into confident readers.

Strengths

• Pupils have a positive attitude to learning and demonstrate good behavior.
• The curriculum is broad and interesting, catering to academic, social, and emotional development.
• Strong support provided for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
• Effective strategies for managing behavior and supporting mental health.
• Strong parental support and positive feedback about the school's impact.

Areas for Improvement

• Some curriculum areas lack clarity on essential knowledge to be taught.
• Inconsistencies in subject leaders' checks on curriculum delivery.

In 2024–25 pupils at Willow Grove Primary School attended 93.0% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 19.2% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 35.3%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2024–25, 0.0% of pupils at Willow Grove Primary School were suspended at least once (nationally 5.1%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 Willow Grove Primary School had 5.7 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 18.2% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 14.5%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26 Willow Grove Primary School had 68 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: social, emotional and mental health.

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2025–26 Willow Grove Primary School received £36,796 and spent £38,211 for each of its 68 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £60,000 (£886 per pupil).

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24).

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

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What is Willow Grove Primary School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Willow Grove Primary School is Good, from an inspection in May 2023.

When was Willow Grove Primary School last inspected by Ofsted?

Willow Grove Primary School was last inspected in May 2023.

How many pupils does Willow Grove Primary School have?

Willow Grove Primary School has 68 pupils on roll.

What age range does Willow Grove Primary School cover?

Willow Grove Primary School for pupils aged 5 to 11.

What are Willow Grove Primary School's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 0% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is Willow Grove Primary School?

Willow Grove Primary School is at Willow Grove, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN4 8XF.