Barcombe Church of England Primary School
Lewes, BN8 5DN · East Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
85th of 130 primary schools in East Sussex we can score, 144 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 the 3,194 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.9/10 among them, against 3.7/10 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 | 44.0 · 12 | 62% | 0.72 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 38% | 2.98 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Barcombe Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 44.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A higher 13.0% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.9 out of 10 among them, against 3.7 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 132 pupils against a stated capacity of 140. 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
With 8 places currently available, how does the school manage waiting lists for the next academic year? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Barcombe Church of England Primary School
Overview
Barcombe Church of England Primary School is described as ‘a small and mighty school where everyone flourishes in the heart of the community’. The report highlights an ‘ambitious’ curriculum and ‘exceptional’ behaviour, noting that pupils are ‘happy and achieve well’. Leaders demonstrate an ‘unwavering sense of commitment’ to ensuring everything is done in the best interests of children.
Strengths
- Pupils display ‘exemplary’ behaviour, being ‘polite and highly respectful’ with a culture of kindness embedded through initiatives like the ‘kindness rainbow’.
- The curriculum is ‘ambitious’ with particular strengths in ‘oracy and vocabulary development’, where teachers ‘model vocabulary clearly’ and ask ‘skilful questions’.
- Reading is prioritised effectively; staff teach phonics well, and ‘extra support is quickly put in place’ for pupils at risk of falling behind.
- Personal development is ‘extensive’, offering rich opportunities such as visits to Glyndbourne Opera House and a ‘carefully designed outdoor curriculum’.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) ‘achieve well’, with staff ‘skilfully adapt[ing] their teaching to provide bespoke support’.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure staff have the knowledge to develop pupils’ ‘foundational knowledge in writing fully effectively’, as handwriting, spelling, and punctuation errors are not routinely addressed.
- The school should address ‘historical gaps’ in some pupils’ foundational mathematical knowledge, particularly regarding the application of multiplication.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘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 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 44% |
| 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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