Bessemer Grange Primary School
London, SE5 8HP · Southwark · primary school
Check the area around this school
15th of 62 primary schools in Southwark we can score, 66 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 — 9.5/10 against 2,600 of them, against 8.9/10 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 | 78.0 · 84 | 40% | 3.36 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 28.0 · 97 | 25% | 2.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bessemer Grange Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 78.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 28.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 515 pupils against a stated capacity of 690. 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 working towards the expected standard in maths? What specific trips or clubs are available for Year 6 pupils?
What Ofsted said about Bessemer Grange Primary School
Overview
Bessemer Grange Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils “delight in coming” and feel safe. The report highlights a culture of open communication, strong attendance, and a curriculum designed with “great care” that enables pupils to “achieve well across the curriculum.”
Strengths
- The curriculum is “well thought out and carefully arranged,” ensuring pupils build necessary knowledge to learn new concepts, such as using robots in early years to prepare for geography.
- Teaching uses “effective models and images” and breaks down ideas into manageable parts, while staff are “quick to spot pupils’ misconceptions.”
- Reading is prioritised through an “effective phonics curriculum,” with prompt intervention for those lagging behind, fostering a “genuine love of reading.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are identified early and receive “effective adaptations to teaching,” enabling them to learn well.
- The school fosters positive relationships and community engagement, with pupils participating in local initiatives like food bank donations and street carnivals.
Areas to improve
- In some instances, teaching presents “too much information at once,” making it difficult for pupils to retain and apply learning; leaders should ensure content is processed securely.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a culture that puts pupils’ interests first and ensures concerns are promptly addressed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 76% |
| 2024/25 | 78% |
| 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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