Bentley Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Ipswich, IP9 2BT · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
129th 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 4,203 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.5/10 among them, against 3.4/10 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) 2023/24 | 44.0 · 12 | 40% | 0.47 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2023/24 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bentley Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2023/24, 44% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 63%. The school’s higher standard rate was 11%, against a national median of 6%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.5 out of 10 among them, against 3.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the Multi-School Council, Head Pupils, and various school councils, alongside the Sports Crew. Trips include Forest Schools, Allotment, and Orienteering, with an after-school club available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 40 pupils against a stated capacity of 56. 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 44% expected standard and the national median? What specific activities does the Sports Crew offer during the school day? How does the after-school club integrate with the Forest Schools and Allotment trips?
What Ofsted said about Bentley Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
Bentley Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School continues to be a good school, offering a "warm nurturing environment" where pupils feel safe and ready to learn. The report highlights that pupils are "highly motivated learners" who respond well to high expectations, particularly in mathematics and reading, while benefiting from an ambitious curriculum designed to help them make connections across subjects.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy a supportive atmosphere where they learn strategies to cope with challenges, with older pupils acting as trained ‘mentors’ to help peers.
- Early reading is prioritised through daily phonics sessions and carefully chosen books, ensuring pupils become "fluent readers quickly" and achieve in line with national averages.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "very well supported" and fully included in all aspects of school life, with precise targets helping them succeed.
- The school promotes personal development "extremely well" through educational visits, discussions on moral dilemmas, and a new ‘metacognition’ approach that fosters resilience and independence.
- Leadership is described as "highly reflective," creating a positive culture of professional development where staff feel supported and proud.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure teachers implement agreed teaching approaches, such as quizzes and paired work, "consistently across the school" so that all pupils’ knowledge is secure and work quality is not impacted.
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 | 44% |
| 2023/24 | 44% |
| England | 63% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,190 state schools in England we hold a 2023/24 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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