Beck Row Primary Academy
Bury St Edmunds, IP28 8AE · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
79th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.1/10 against 3,087 of them, against 5.6/10 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 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Beck Row Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71.0% 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 4.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 243 pupils against a stated capacity of 269. 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 reaching the higher standard in maths? What specific trips or clubs are available for Year 6 students this term?
What Ofsted said about Beck Row Primary Academy
Overview
Beck Row Primary Academy is described as a “polite and friendly place in which to learn” where pupils feel safe and trust staff to resolve issues. The school has improved significantly since its previous inspection, with leaders prioritising education and well-being, resulting in calm classrooms and high expectations for pupil achievement.
Strengths
- Staff are “experts in teaching early reading,” using step-by-step methods and frequent checks to quickly identify and support pupils who need to catch up.
- The curriculum is well-structured, giving pupils “much to ponder” and inspiring their story-writing, while the ‘Beck Row Way’ ensures pupils learn without interruptions.
- Staff are well-trained to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), working closely with parents and external experts to provide appropriate help.
- Pupils enjoy a wide range of responsibilities and activities, such as being play leaders or members of the ‘job squad’, which helps them appreciate the needs of others.
- Governors and trustees fully support leaders, providing professional development that creates “consistency and stability” and grows expertise within the school.
Areas to improve
- Some staff are still getting to grips with teaching the new curriculum, occasionally failing to adapt lessons well enough or set work that provides sufficient opportunities for pupils to rehearse new knowledge.
- The school and trust must ensure staff have the necessary training and guidance to teach the curriculum consistently well, so pupils can secure their understanding of important knowledge.
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 | 32% |
| 2023/24 | 56% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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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