John Wheeldon Primary Academy, Stafford

In its own words: "SUAT supports and leads in the set-up of new academies joining the partnership. The services provided by the central support function cover both educational and non-educational support. In terms of educational support, SUAT is linked to the School of Education of Staffordshire University, which is an outstanding ITT provider."

From the headteacher's welcome: "John Wheeldon Primary Academy is a proud member of the Staffordshire University Academy Trust . Our Academy has a long and proud history spanning over 125 years. Being the largest primary school in Stafford, we pride ourselves on being an integral part of the community and ensure that children understand how to be responsible, respectful and active citizens within this."

In 2025, 78% of Year 6 pupils at John Wheeldon Primary Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 75% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 79% and 77% in Staffordshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 66% in reading and 73% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 58 families put John Wheeldon Primary Academy as their first choice and 87 named it as one of their preferences, for 60 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to John Wheeldon Primary Academy are St Patrick's Catholic Primary School (0.2 miles, Good, 80% reading, 80% maths); Tillington Manor Primary School (0.8 miles, 77% reading, 67% maths); St Austin's Catholic Primary School and Nursery (0.9 miles, Good, 82% reading, 89% maths); and St John's CofE Primary Academy (0.9 miles, Good, 81% reading, 78% maths).

John Wheeldon Primary Academy's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 4 schools.

John Wheeldon Primary Academy is one of 21 schools run by Staffordshire University Academies Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 68% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

44 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about John Wheeldon Primary Academy (as of September 2025): 84% would recommend the school, 86% say their child is happy there and 70% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (91%); the weakest, that the school supports their child's wider development (68%).

In 2026, 96 pupils (17.9%) received SEN support and 11 (2.1%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is social, emotional and mental health needs.

The nearest railway station is Stafford Rail Station, about 0.8 miles away in a straight line.

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is St Patricks RC School (near), 160 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 459 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and public order offences. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Staffordshire (86), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, John Wheeldon Primary Academy issued 62 suspensions, 11.5 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 1 permanent exclusion.

The secondary schools closest to John Wheeldon Primary Academy are Sir Graham Balfour High School (1.1 miles), Blessed William Howard Catholic School (1.1 miles), King Edward VI High School (1.5 miles) and The Weston Road Academy (1.6 miles).