Barningham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Bury St Edmunds, IP31 1DD · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
175th 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 4,143 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.9/10 among them, against 2.9/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 62% | 1.17 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 38% | 1.72 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Barningham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% 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 6.0% 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 2.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in dodgeball, football, table tennis, and multi-activity sports, alongside dance, nativity, and story production. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 70 pupils against a stated capacity of 120. 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 to bridge the gap between the 50.0% expected standard and the national median of 64%? What specific strategies are used to raise the 6.0% higher standard attainment?
What Ofsted said about Barningham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
Barningham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School is described as a welcoming institution at the heart of its community, where pupils feel safe and valued. The report highlights a strong pastoral system, positive behaviour, and an ambitious curriculum that supports pupils in achieving well, particularly in core subjects.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from strong pastoral support, feeling safe and confident in speaking to adults if worried.
- The curriculum is well sequenced, helping pupils build knowledge over time and prepare academically for their next stage.
- Children make a strong start in early years, with a firmly established Reception curriculum focusing on key learning foundations.
- Attendance has improved significantly, with the school placing great importance on pupils being in school as often as possible.
- Staff feel valued by leaders, who carefully consider well-being and workload when implementing changes.
Areas to improve
- Staff expertise in delivering the phonics programme is developing, meaning some pupils do not learn to read as quickly as they could.
- In wider curriculum subjects, core knowledge and vocabulary are not always suitably prioritised, preventing some pupils from securing intended learning.
- On occasion, key knowledge is not introduced clearly enough, and activities do not always support pupils in remembering key content.
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 | 42% |
| 2023/24 | 64% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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