Government recognition for pupil progress
Longsight Community Primary School has received formal praise from the Government for the strong progress made by disadvantaged pupils during the 2024 to 2025 academic year.
The school, part of the Big Life Schools multi academy trust, was commended in a letter from Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, recognising the difference the school is making for children and families in the local community.
National outcomes among the strongest in England
In her letter to the headteacher, Ms Phillipson congratulated the school for being “among the very best nationally” for outcomes achieved by pupils facing disadvantage.
She wrote:
“Congratulations to you and your team on the excellent outcomes disadvantaged pupils at Longsight Community Primary achieved at the end of the 2024 to 2025 academic year. This success reflects the dedication of your staff and the hard work of your pupils. It shows what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together. Thank you for everything you do to give children the best possible opportunities to succeed.”
Ms Phillipson also encouraged the school to continue working alongside others to raise standards more widely, recognising Longsight Community Primary as a leader supporting improvement across the sector.
Pride in staff, pupils and community
Headteacher Rukhsana Ahmed said the recognition reflected both staff commitment and pupil determination.
“We are incredibly proud of our children and our team. This recognition reflects the care, commitment and belief our staff bring every day, and the determination and resilience shown by our pupils. At Longsight, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive and to be the very best they can be.
“As part of The Big Life Group, we are rooted in our community and driven by the belief that people can live well when they are supported well. We are always keen to learn from others and to share what we know, so that more children can benefit.”
School profile and inspection outcome
Longsight Community Primary serves families in the Longsight ward of Manchester and surrounding areas. The school supports around 210 pupils aged four to eleven, representing 21 countries and speaking 16 different languages.
Inclusion, kindness, respect and tolerance sit at the heart of the school’s approach. In its most recent inspection in November 2024, Ofsted rated the school good in all areas. It is also recognised as a Voice 21 Oracy Centre of Excellence for its work developing pupils’ speaking and listening skills.
