Woodsetts shines as best school for young learners in Rotherham
A SMALL Rotherham primary is celebrating after being crowned as the top place to be for young pupils across Rotherham.
Woodsetts Primary emerged on a Government website as the best in terms of overall performance at the end of key stage 2, in 2025.
The stage typically covers children aged seven to 11, bridging primary and secondary education with core subjects like English, Maths, and Science.
In the borough's top 10, Woodsetts, with a 100 percent attainment rate, is followed by St Alban's CofE, Whiston Worrygoose, Herringthorpe, Aston Fence, Roughwood, Todwick, Wales, Aston Hall, and St Gerard's Catholic.
We asked Matt Revill, Headteacher at the Wellfield Crescent base, about their success and what was behind it.
How does it feel to have performed better than any other school in this category?
"It’s an incredibly proud moment for our whole school community.
"Being recognised for the best overall performance at the end of Key Stage 2 means that, when all statutory measures are considered together, our pupils’ outcomes were the strongest overall.
"Importantly, this reflects not just high results at the end, but the learning journey pupils have made. It’s a validation of consistent, high-quality teaching and support.
Explain what it means that all of your students have reached "expected standards."
"Reaching the expected standard means pupils have met the nationally-set benchmarks for what children should know and be able to do by the end of primary school in reading, writing and mathematics.
"For 100 percent of our pupils to reach this level means that every child left us with the essential knowledge, skills and confidence they need for secondary school — without exception. That inclusivity is something we are especially proud of."
What do you put this success down to?
"Team effort. Every member of staff has played a vital role — from teachers and teaching assistants to pastoral, SEND, and support staff.
"It comes down to strong relationships, high expectations for every child and a shared belief that all pupils can succeed.
"Staff work tirelessly to adapt teaching, provide timely support and ensure no child is left behind.
"It’s also a reflection of the trust and partnership we have with families who also help massively in their children's journeys.
"We also work closely with White Woods Primary Academy Trust.
"We are also thankful to have a very experienced Y6 teacher, Mrs McFarlane, who knows how to prepare the children for these tests well but without causing undue stress or narrowing the curriculum.
What was the children's reaction?
"A mixture of pride, excitement and disbelief.
"Many were thrilled to realise that their hard work had paid off in such a big way.
"What was especially lovely was hearing pupils talk about how proud they felt of each other, not just themselves.
"It really showed the strong sense of community and teamwork they’ve developed.
Will you be aiming to be top again this year?
"We will absolutely not be sitting on our laurels. While we are celebrating this achievement, our focus is firmly on the future. We continually reflect on our practice and look for ways to improve further, because every new cohort of children deserves the very best.
"Success for us isn’t about a ranking — it’s about ensuring every child thrives, year after year."