Bidborough Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0UE · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
160th 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 the 2,720 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.6/10 among them, against 6.4/10 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 | 79.0 · 86 | 40% | 3.43 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bidborough Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 79.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. However, 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.6 out of 10 among them, against 6.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join gymnastics, French, dance, football, multi-sports, cricket, choir and peripatetic music lessons. The school also runs an after-school club and organises a day trip to the Isle of Wight.
Getting in
The published school roll is 200 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 progress from the expected to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to improve attainment in the similar-intake comparison group? How is the after-school club structured to support learning or social development?
What Ofsted said about Bidborough Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
Bidborough Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School continues to be a good school, characterised by a strong "culture of care" where pupils feel happy and safe. Leaders maintain high expectations and have implemented a well-constructed curriculum that supports inclusive learning, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- Pupils form strong relationships with staff and peers, supported by a "buddy" system that helps younger children feel included.
- The curriculum is "well-constructed," with helpful links between subjects such as geography and history to deepen understanding.
- Reading provision is effective, with early years phonics lessons helping children become confident readers who are "keen to share books with adults."
- Pupils develop strong mathematical knowledge and apply it across various subjects, including through play in the early years.
- Behaviour is excellent, creating a "calm and purposeful atmosphere" in lessons, with bullying resolved swiftly when it occurs.
Areas to improve
- Leaders need to refine teachers’ assessment of pupils’ understanding in subjects beyond English and mathematics, as teachers currently focus too much on what has been covered rather than what pupils have retained.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving detailed training to identify risks and leaders acting swiftly to support families.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 79% |
| 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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