Bamford Academy is a vibrant and diverse two-form entry primary school in Rochdale. We are part of Altus Education Partnership and create an enabling environment where children enjoy learning, guided by our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance, Kindness and Acceptance.

Choosing a primary school is an important decision. Here are clear answers to the questions we are asked most often by parents and carers considering Bamford Academy

Applying and Visiting

What age group does Bamford Acdemy take?

Bamford Academy is a primary school for children aged 4 to 11, from Reception to Year 6. We are a two-form entry school, with 60 Reception places a year.

What did Ofsted say about Bamford Academy?

Ofsted inspected Bamford Academy in March 2023 and confirmed that we continue to be a good school. It was an ungraded inspection. Inspectors reported that pupils feel safe, behave well and enjoy coming to school, that the curriculum gives strong foundations in reading and mathematics, and that safeguarding is effective. Read our Ofsted summary or the full report on the Ofsted website.

How do I apply for a Reception place at Bamford Academy?

Applications for primary school places in Rochdale are made online through Rochdale Borough Council, not directly to the school. For Reception in September 2027, the online system opened on 14 September 2026 and the closing date is Friday 15 January 2027. National Offer Day is Friday 16 April 2027. Our admissions policy for 2027–28 and the full timetable of dates are on our Admissions page, and you can apply through Rochdale Borough Council.

Can I apply for a place during the school year?

Yes. If you are moving into the area or would like to transfer your child, please contact the school office first. We can tell you about current vacancies and explain how to make a formal application.

What can I do if my child is not offered a place?

You have the right to an independent appeal. Rochdale Borough Council provides information about the appeals process on its school admissions pages.

Can I visit Bamford Academy before applying?

Yes. Our open events are on Wednesday 4 November and Saturday 7 November 2026. You can tour the school, meet our Headteacher and ask any questions. Book your place on our Open Events page. If you cannot make either date, email office@bamfordacademy.co.uk to ask about a personal tour.

---

The school day and wraparound care

What time does the school day start and finish?

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm, 32.5 hours a week. Doors open at 8:30am and registers are taken at 8:40am. Children who arrive after 8:40am sign in at the main entrance and are marked late. Break and lunch times differ by year group, and you can see them on our School Day page.

What before and after school care does Bamford Academy offer?

Bamford Boost! runs before and after school. Before-school club is 7:30am to 8:00am (paid), followed by a free breakfast club from 8:00am to 8:30am that every pupil can attend. Children need to arrive by 8:10am to get breakfast. After-school club runs from 3:00pm to 5:45pm with play, craft activities, homework support and a healthy snack. Places must be booked, including the free breakfast club, and after-school spaces are limited. Call 01706 631496 or email office@bamfordacademy.co.uk to book or to ask about current prices.

Does Bamford Academy provide school lunches?

Yes. Mellors Catering prepares hot lunches in school for £2.95 a meal, and Key Stage 2 children can bring a packed lunch instead. Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive a free lunch under the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme. From September 2026, all children in households that receive Universal Credit are entitled to free school meals, and you can check eligibility and apply through Rochdale Borough Council. Please tell the school office about any food allergies. See our Catering page for menus.

How does the school handle attendance and lateness?

We believe every school day counts. Please report an absence by phoning or leaving a voicemail on 01706 631496, or by emailing office@bamfordacademy.co.uk. Children arriving after 8:40am sign in at the main entrance, and arrival after 9:10am is recorded as an unauthorised session. If something is making attendance difficult, please talk to us early. Our Attendance page explains the national rules on term-time leave and penalty notices.

What are the term dates?

For 2026–27, the autumn term runs from 3 September to 18 December 2026, the spring term from 4 January to 25 March 2027 and the summer term from 5 April to 16 July 2027. Half terms and INSET days are listed on our Term Dates page, and the school calendar shows events through the year.

---

Starting at Bamford Academy

What is the school uniform and where can I buy it?

Children wear a royal blue jumper or cardigan with a white polo shirt (Reception to Year 2) or a white shirt or blouse (Years 3 to 6), a tie from Year 3, a blue tartan skirt or black trousers or shorts, black socks or tights, and black shoes. Trainers are not allowed. A blazer is optional in Key Stage 2. PE kit is a plain white polo shirt and royal blue shorts or skort. Uniform is available from our approved supplier, Ziggys Schoolwear, 101 Yorkshire Street, Rochdale, or online. Pre-loved uniform is available from the school office and from a monthly PTA stall. See our School Uniform page for the full list.

What is Reception like at Bamford Academy?

Reception follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, so children learn through planned activities, play and exploration across seven areas of learning. Phonics is taught every day, and children bring home a reading book matched to the sounds they have learned. Through myHappymind, children learn to recognise and manage their feelings, and we focus on Kind Hands, Kind Words and Kind Hearts. New families are invited to a welcome evening in the summer term before they start. Find out more on our Classes page.

How can I help my child get ready for school?

Practise everyday independence: putting on and taking off a coat and jumper, fastening buttons and zips, opening a school bag and using a knife and fork. Share stories, count everyday objects and talk about the day. Talk positively about starting school so your child knows there will always be adults to help.

How will the school keep me informed?

We use the Arbor app for updates, bookings and payments, send a weekly newsletter by email and share news on Facebook. Reception parents also see learning updates through Tapestry. Our Parent Partnership Guide sets out how families and staff work together, and you can read recent newsletters online.

---

Learning, support and wellbeing

What will my child learn at Bamford Academy?

Children follow a broad, ambitious curriculum covering English, maths, science, history, geography, art, design technology, music, PE, computing, RE, PSHE and French. Maths uses the Power Maths mastery programme from Reception to Year 6, with Numbots and Times Tables Rock Stars to build fluency, and writing uses Ready Steady Write. Our five values and British values run through lessons and school life. Information on what children learn at Bamford Academy can be found in our Subjects pages.

How are reading and phonics taught?

Phonics is taught daily in Reception and Year 1 using the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds programme, starting in the second week of Reception. Children read matched decodable books in small groups three times a week and take the same book home to share. Extra keep-up and catch-up sessions help anyone who needs more support, and Year 1 children take the national Phonics Screening Check in the summer term.

How does Bamford Academy support children with SEND?

We have high aspirations for every child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Most children learn in their mainstream class with high-quality teaching and adjustments, and we use an assess, plan, do, review approach with individual SEND Support Plans. For a small number of children, The Orchard is our internal inclusive provision. A medical diagnosis is not needed to receive support. Our SENDCo is Mr J Shepherd, and you can contact him through the school office. Bamford SEND Connect is our parent and carer group. Our SEND page links to the Rochdale Local Offer and our SEND Information Report.

Do you support children who speak English as an additional language?

Ofsted’s 2023 inspection found that our phonics teaching helps pupils who speak English as an additional language to make strong progress. Our school community is diverse, and children learn about different cultures, languages and religions.

How does the school support pupils’ wellbeing and safety?

Pupils told Ofsted that they feel safe, that staff know them well and that any unkindness is dealt with quickly. Children from Reception to Year 6 follow myHappymind, and we are a myHappymind Bronze Accredited School. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is our Headteacher, Mrs S Gaskell, supported by deputy leads. Read more on our Mental Health and Wellbeing and Safeguarding for Parents and Carers pages.

What are the school values?

Our five values are Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance, Kindness and Acceptance. They shape how children treat each other, how they learn and how we prepare them for life beyond primary school. You can read more on our Our Values page.

What clubs and activities can my child join?

Children can join after-school clubs, including a range of sports clubs, take on pupil leadership roles such as the Tech Team, and belong to one of our houses through the House System. They can also log activities inside and outside school in Children’s University to earn certificates and a graduation ceremony. Our Trips and Visits page shows how learning continues beyond the classroom. Ask the school office which clubs are running this term.

What is Altus Education Partnership?

Bamford Academy is part of Altus Education Partnership, a charitable trust based in Rochdale. Altus runs Rochdale’s Children’s University and has supported Bamford with books and furniture for our new library.

---

Contact Us

How do I contact the school?

Bamford Academy, Belgium Street, Bamford, OL11 5PS. Telephone: 01706 631496. Email: office@bamfordacademy.co.uk. Our Headteacher is Mrs S Gaskell. For SEND questions, please mark your email “For the attention of the SENDCo”. Full details are on our Contact page.

The best way to get a feel for Bamford Academy is to see it in action. Join us at an open event on Wednesday 4 or Saturday 7 November 2026, or contact the school office to arrange a personal tour.