Bardwell Church of England Primary School
Bury St Edmunds, IP31 1AD · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
193rd of 232 primary schools in Suffolk we can score, 253 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 3,161 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.6/10 among them, against 1.1/10 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 | 43.0 · 11 | 40% | 0.42 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bardwell Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 43.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.6 out of 10 among them, against 1.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 54 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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
Since the last inspection was in 2022, what specific improvements have been made to raise attainment in maths? How does the school support pupils who are not yet meeting the expected standard in reading?
What Ofsted said about Bardwell Church of England Primary School
Overview
Bardwell Church of England Primary School is rated ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, marking a significant improvement from its previous ‘Requires improvement’ judgement. The report highlights a positive school culture where pupils feel safe, enjoy learning, and describe the school as a supportive ‘family’ community. Leaders have successfully addressed previous concerns, particularly regarding behaviour and curriculum design, ensuring pupils are well prepared for their next educational stages.
Strengths
- Pupils ‘enjoy coming to school and feel safe’, with behaviour described as ‘usually good’ and bullying as rare.
- The curriculum is ‘carefully organised and sequenced’, allowing pupils to ‘learn the important knowledge they need’.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are ‘supported well to access the full curriculum’.
- Staff are ‘proud to work at the school’ and appreciate support for their well-being, with workload ‘not a problem’.
- Leaders promote personal development effectively, helping pupils become ‘resilient, reflective and kind communicators’.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ‘continue to ensure that staff are confident in teaching the new phonics, reading and spelling programmes effectively’ to help a small number of older pupils who still struggle to read unfamiliar words fluently.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with ‘stringent systems in place’ and staff who are ‘well trained’ and ‘confident to spot and report concerns’.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 40% |
| 2023/24 | 0% |
| 2024/25 | 43% |
| 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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