Aerodrome Primary Academy
Croydon, CR0 4EJ · Croydon · primary school
Check the area around this school
55th of 77 primary schools in Croydon we can score, 87 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.0/10 against 2,364 of them, against 6.7/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 66.0 · 54 | 40% | 2.16 |
| Ofsted | 13 | 35% | 0.45 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 18.0 · 89 | 25% | 2.23 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Aerodrome Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 18.0% against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.7 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in November 2025 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 447 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
What specific support is available for pupils who have not reached the expected standard? How does the new inspection framework affect day-to-day teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Aerodrome Primary Academy
Overview
Aerodrome Primary Academy is a school where leaders demonstrate a "real commitment" to ensuring all pupils thrive, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. The inspection highlights a "nurturing environment" and strong inclusion, though it notes that writing fluency and attendance require further attention to reach consistently high standards.
Strengths
- Inclusion is rated at a "Strong standard," with "well-structured" support for SEND pupils and "excellent personalised support" from expert staff.
- Personal development is rated at a "Strong standard," offering a "comprehensive" programme with diverse experiences like educational visits and community volunteering.
- Pupils behave "very well," reflecting a culture of "high expectations, respect and tolerance" where bullying is rare and swiftly addressed.
- Staff morale is high, with a "collaborative and supportive environment" and effective governance that provides "challenge and support in equal measure."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the curriculum and teaching "continue to strengthen pupils’ writing fluency," specifically addressing handwriting and sentence structure.
- Leaders should "continue their work to secure consistently high attendance for pupils," including those who are disadvantaged.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed," ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 62% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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