Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School vs Wardle Academy
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in North West, England, 1.5 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School
Littleborough · Local authority primary · Ages 3–11
402 students
Wardle Academy
Rochdale · Academy secondary · Ages 11–16
1,366 students
| Measure | Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School Littleborough, North West | Wardle Academy Rochdale, North West |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 40 Lower 50% | 44 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #1298 of 2,286 | #264 of 536 |
| National rank | #10220 of 15,697 | #2274 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Local authority | Academy |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 3–11 | Ages 11–16 |
| Students | 402 | 1,366 |
| Pupils on roll | 402 | 1,366 |
| Free school meals | 8% | 30.3% |
| Capacity filled | 89.3% | 113.8% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | 59% | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | 0% | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | – | 44.1 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | – | 39.1% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | – | 62.7% |
| EBacc average points | – | 3.87 |
| A level points per entry | – | – |
| town | Littleborough | Rochdale |
| region | North West | North West |
| Website | www.sbs.rochdale.sch.uk/ | www.wardleacademy.co.uk/ |
The verdict
- •Wardle Academy scores higher on the Success Index (England) (44.1 vs 39.7).
- •Wardle Academy is the larger school with 1,366 students compared with 402.
- •Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School is a local authority school while Wardle Academy is a academy school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School better than Wardle Academy?
On the Success Index (England), Wardle Academy ranks higher (44.1 vs 39.7 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School and Wardle Academy?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Littleborough and Rochdale in North West.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School: 402. Wardle Academy: 1,366. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School and Wardle Academy rank in North West?
Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School is 1298th of 2,286 and Wardle Academy is 264th of 536 among primary schools in North West on the 2025 Success Index (England).