Bawdeswell Community Primary School
Dereham, NR20 4RR · Norfolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
161st of 281 primary schools in Norfolk we can score, 343 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 3,131 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.9/10 among them, against 2.4/10 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 | 18.0 · 1 | 40% | 0.03 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bawdeswell Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 18.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 9.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. 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 2.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join lunchtime reading sessions, science, nature, engineering, board games, movies, and cooking clubs. Sports include football, running, tag-rugby, athletics, cricket, golf, tennis, and multi-skills. Arts and music options cover dance, sewing, guitar, keyboard, singing, and drumming. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 85 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
How does the school support pupils to bridge the gap between the current 18.0% expected standard and the national median? What specific strategies are in place to maintain the Good Ofsted rating? How are the various clubs and sports scheduled to ensure broad participation?
What Ofsted said about Bawdeswell Community Primary School
Overview
Bawdeswell Community Primary School has achieved “strong and secure improvement” across all aspects since its previous inspection, addressing all prior areas for concern. Pupils are described as “happy” and “confident,” benefiting from a “well structured” curriculum and effective teaching that ensures they “achieve well.” The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel safe and are well prepared for the next stage of their education.
Strengths
- Teachers provide “clear explanations” and check understanding effectively, helping pupils “remember things well.”
- The refreshed reading curriculum ensures staff teach phonics “accurately and consistently,” with most pupils becoming “fluent readers by the end of Year 2.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive “effective support,” allowing most to make “strong progress.”
- Attendance has been successfully raised, with families receiving “effective support” to reduce persistent absence.
- The school offers “many clubs and enrichment activities,” which pupils say “makes their school special.”
Areas to improve
- Ensure “sufficient challenge” for pupils who are ready to learn more complex knowledge, as progress is sometimes slowed when they do not move on.
- Provide “sufficient support” and “targeted guidance” for pupils who are slower to grasp new learning to prevent slowed progress.
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 | 40% |
| 2023/24 | 22% |
| 2024/25 | 18% |
| 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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