Balfour Junior School
Chatham, ME4 6QX · Medway · primary school
Check the area around this school
9th of 56 primary schools in Medway we can score, 76 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 — 8.5/10 against 2,363 of them, against 7.3/10 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 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Balfour Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 14.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 480 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. 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
How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in core subjects? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll matches the total capacity?
What Ofsted said about Balfour Junior School
Overview
Balfour Junior School continues to be a good school, providing a welcoming environment where pupils "delight in attending." The report highlights a culture where pupils "feel safe and behave exceptionally well," supported by an engaging curriculum that inspires them to learn.
Strengths
- Pupils form strong friendships and uphold values of "respect and kindness," creating a joyful atmosphere.
- Teachers use a "well-designed curriculum" and skilful questioning to check understanding and support those who have fallen behind.
- Reading and mathematical knowledge develop well, with pupils described as "inquisitive" and excited about learning.
- The school offers a "fulsome range of wider opportunities," including character education, community visits, and sports competitions.
- Attendance for persistently absent pupils is improving due to compassionate work with families.
Areas to improve
- Teachers do not always draw on what pupils have learned before to strengthen learning, meaning some pupils do not "embed and use what they know fluently."
- The school needs to ensure teachers are clear about what pupils need to remember to inform teaching and achieve higher standards.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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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