Barrow Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5AU · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
53rd 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 3,999 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.8/10 among them, against 6.0/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 62% | 3.50 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 38% | 2.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Barrow Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 10.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.8 out of 10 among them, against 6.0 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Barrow Bear Cubs and Barrow EXTRA clubs, learn swimming, and access both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 199 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the Barrow EXTRA sessions?
What Ofsted said about Barrow Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
Pupils thrive in this inclusive, supportive school where "warm relationships with staff ensure that pupils feel safe and happy." The report highlights a "broad and carefully planned curriculum" that fosters high aspirations and exemplary behaviour. While the quality of education and leadership are judged as good, the school excels in personal development, behaviour, and early years provision.
Strengths
- Early years provision is outstanding, with children getting a "fabulous start" through prioritised language, reading skills, and "familiar routines" that help them focus.
- Behaviour and attitudes are outstanding; pupils are "courteous and polite," with conduct described as "exemplary throughout the school."
- Personal development is exceptional, with pupils showing a "strong sense of right and wrong" and benefiting from extensive extra-curricular opportunities.
- Reading is taught effectively, with a "clear structure and sequence" in phonics helping pupils become "confident, fluent and expressive readers."
- Staff are "excellent role models," and the school maintains "high expectations" for both behaviour and attendance.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure teachers have the "requisite subject knowledge" to deliver wider curriculum subjects, such as history, more effectively so pupils learn content securely.
- Support for pupils to catch up on missed learning in mathematics needs to have the "intended impact," as some pupils have not secured the knowledge required to achieve well.
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 | 61% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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