Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School
Bridgenorth Drive, Littleborough, OL15 0ESOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School is a primary school in Littleborough for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 105 schools in Rochdale. It ranks 36th of 55 primary schools in Rochdale. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in October 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 18 October 2023, report published 15 November 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 18 October 2023
The school strives to achieve the mission statement to encourage all pupils to be confident, aim high and be happy in all aspects of school life. This is clear in the high ambitions that the school has for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils make the most of the learning opportunities that the school provides for them. Many pupils leave the school well prepared for their next stage of education. The school has high expectations of pupils' behaviour, which are reflected in the new behaviour policy. Many pupils are kind, considerate and take pride in being part of the school community. Pupils who need extra help to manage their emotions are supported well by staff. Pupils feel happy and safe in school. They highlight their trust in staff as an important reason for this. The school provides pupils with a broad range of opportunities that bring the curriculum to life. Pupils visit other schools as part of their learning about celebrations in different cultures. Multicultural festivals are celebrated at the school. Pupils also visit different places of worship. These activities help them to build up a secure understanding of the world's religions and cultures.
What the school should improve
- In a small number of subjects, the school has not identified the key knowledge that pupils from the early years to Year 6 should learn. This prevents teachers from designing learning that builds up pupils' knowledge over time. The school should ensure that it finalises its curriculum thinking in these areas, so that pupils can build on prior knowledge when they learn something new.
- Some staff do not reinforce the high expectations of behaviour that the school has. This impacts on how well some pupils behave and follow school routines. The school should ensure that high expectations of behaviour are consistently communicated by staff and modelled by pupils.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
59 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
402 pupils on roll, with places for 450
Schools near Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Andrew's Church of England Primary School and Nursery | 0.5 miles | Report card: Expected standard | 76% met the expected standard |
| St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Alice Ingham Roman Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 55% met the expected standard |
| Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 71% met the expected standard |
| Kentmere Primary Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted: Outstanding | 71% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Foundation school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Antonia Firth
- Phone
- 01706378083
- Address
- Bridgenorth Drive, Littleborough, OL15 0ES
- Local authority
- Rochdale
- URN
- 105847
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.