Peel Brow School, Bury

Ofsted's report card from its 31 March 2026 inspection grades Peel Brow School on 7 areas: 1 strong standard, 5 expected standard and 1 needs attention. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Early years - Strong standard. "Leaders thoroughly understand the importance of children's early years and have ensured that children get off to a flying start to their early education."

Achievement - Expected standard. "In the past, pupils' attainment in national tests and assessments has been below that of other pupils nationally."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Following the previous inspection, leaders' work to further strengthen the curriculum and the way in which it is taught has been successful."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders ensure that this small school is a welcoming environment for all."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders and those responsible for governance place pupils' best interests at the centre of their decisions."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders have adopted a suitable personal development programme that meets pupils' needs."

Attendance and behaviour - Needs attention. "Attendance has been a significant barrier over time for several pupils."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that their attendance strategy improves pupils' attendance rates, including for those who are disadvantaged and those with persistent absence"; "Leaders should support staff in deepening pupils' learning and identifying errors in their written work, so that these are addressed swiftly".

In its own words: "At Peel Brow Primary School, our aim is to build a connected and inclusive community that inspires and empowers learners to thrive and succeed in an ever-changing world. We are dedicated to fostering a welcoming, safe, and caring environment where every child feels valued and supported."

From the headteacher's welcome: "At the heart of our school is a simple belief: every child deserves to feel valued, supported and inspired to be the very best version of themselves. We are proud to be a school where children are known as individuals, where their achievements are celebrated, and where they are encouraged to be curious, confident and kind."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, netball, basketball, cross-country, art and sewing.

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:15am and after-school care, from £5 per session.

In 2025, 86% of Year 6 pupils at Peel Brow School reached the expected standard in reading and 79% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 77% in Bury and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 71% in reading and 67% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 8 families put Peel Brow School as their first choice and 15 named it as one of their preferences, for 8 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. 1 family who put it first was not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Peel Brow School are St Andrew's Church of England Primary School, Ramsbottom (0.6 miles, Good, 70% reading, 57% maths); St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School Ramsbottom, a Voluntary Academy (0.7 miles, 90% reading, 87% maths); Emmanuel Holcombe Church of England Primary School (0.9 miles, Good, 87% reading, 87% maths); and Ramsbottom Stubbins Primary School (0.9 miles, Good, 93% reading, 79% maths).

Peel Brow School's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 4 schools.

Peel Brow School is one of 5 schools run by Vision Multi Academy Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 65% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

11 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Peel Brow School (as of April 2026): 91% would recommend the school and 91% say their child is happy there.

The strongest agreement was that they are kept well informed about progress (100%); the weakest, that their child is happy at the school (91%).

42.6% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 6.4% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 15 pupils (16%) received SEN support and 16 (17%) 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 speech, language and communication needs.

Peel Brow School has a SEN unit for autism: 12 places, 11 pupils on roll.

Peel Brow School had 8 teachers in 2026, one for every 11 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest tram or metro stop is Ramsbottom (East Lancashire Railway), about 440 metres away (roughly a 5-minute walk).

19 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Fir Street (s-bound), 50 metres away.

In 2024/25, Peel Brow School issued 2 suspensions, 1.8 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.