Barling Magna Primary Academy
Southend-on-Sea, SS3 0LN · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
168th of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 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 — 6.4/10 against 3,161 of them, against 5.9/10 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Barling Magna Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 8.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 167 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating across different year groups?
What Ofsted said about Barling Magna Primary Academy
Overview
Barling Magna Primary Academy has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” Pupils “enjoy attending” the school, where they feel “safe and well cared for” and demonstrate mutual respect. The inspection confirms that the school continues to provide a high-quality education with an “ambitious curriculum” and strong support for all learners.
Strengths
- Pupils are “enthusiastic learners” who “collaborate well” and benefit from a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, including clubs and educational visits.
- The school implements a “consistent and systematic approach to teaching,” ensuring pupils develop subject-specific vocabulary and apply knowledge in different contexts.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive “effective support” from well-trained staff, allowing them to access the same curriculum as their peers.
- The school’s “ambitious approach to reading” ensures children are “enthusiastic and fluent readers,” supported by a well-stocked library and dedicated reading spaces.
- Staff feel leaders consider their “well-being and workload,” while trustees are described as “experienced, knowledgeable and committed.”
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure new curriculum approaches adequately consider “prior knowledge pupils have missed” so that all pupils can engage with complex learning.
- The school needs to implement effective actions to raise attendance, as “too many pupils miss vital learning on a regular basis,” leading to gaps in knowledge.
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 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of SS3 0LN, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT