Bethersden Primary School
Ashford, TN26 3AH · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
267th of 425 primary schools in Kent we can score, 460 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 — 4.8/10 against 2,388 of them, against 4.1/10 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 | 46.0 · 14 | 40% | 0.55 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.09 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bethersden Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 46.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 15.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Craft, Chess, Photography, Reading for Pleasure, Spotlight Acting, and Yoga clubs. Sports options include Football, Hockey, Netball, Tennis, and Multi-Sports. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 117 pupils against a stated capacity of 140. 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 steps are taken to maintain the Good Ofsted rating?
What Ofsted said about Bethersden Primary School
Overview
Bethersden Primary School is described as a place where pupils feel part of a "family who look after each other" and are "happy to come to school." The report highlights an "exceptional start" to education in the early years and notes that current leaders have successfully addressed previous gaps in pupil preparation for secondary education. Overall, the school is judged to be providing a high-quality education with strong behaviour and personal development.
Strengths
- Early years provision is "Outstanding," with children benefiting from an "exceptional provision" that builds precise vocabulary and number fluency.
- Pupils behave well in a "calm learning environment," with bullying being "rare" and resolved quickly by adults.
- Staff have "strong subject knowledge" and effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to access the full curriculum.
- Reading is prioritised, with trained staff ensuring pupils have the tools to "decode words with confidence" and become fluent readers.
- Leaders ensure inclusive participation, allowing all pupils, including disadvantaged and SEND pupils, to engage in opportunities like the school council and careers talks.
Areas to improve
- Leaders need to ensure all teachers know how to implement the intended curriculum effectively so that all pupils acquire the "full, subject-specific vocabulary, knowledge and skills" in all subjects.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with staff well trained to recognise risks, thorough record-keeping in place, and pupils actively engaged in learning how to keep themselves safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 43% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 46% |
| 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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