Birdham CE Primary School
Chichester, PO20 7HB · West Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
57th of 192 primary schools in West Sussex we can score, 225 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 2,685 of them, against 5.4/10 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 40% | 1.47 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Birdham CE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 14.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the GRUB club, Forest School, and ECO Team, while sporting opportunities include the Birdham Triathlon and Sports Day.
Getting in
The published school roll is 109 pupils against a stated capacity of 147. 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 does a typical Forest School session involve for younger children? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Birdham CE Primary School
Overview
Birdham CE Primary School is rated as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, marking significant improvement from its previous ‘Requires improvement’ judgement. The report highlights a positive school culture where pupils feel safe, respected, and engaged in a broad range of activities. Strong leadership and an ‘aspirational curriculum’ have driven this progress, with staff demonstrating high expectations for pupil behaviour and achievement.
Strengths
- Pupils ‘love coming to Birdham’ and build good friendships, treating each other with respect in a supportive environment.
- Leaders have developed an ‘aspirational curriculum’ with careful sequencing of knowledge, particularly in reading and mathematics.
- Staff are ‘well trained’ and effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) through tailored action plans.
- The early years provision is strong, with a ‘vibrant environment’ that supports language development and prepares children well for Year 1.
- Governors ‘hold leaders to account well’ and play a pivotal role in the school’s improvement journey and staff welfare.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, such as history and physical education, work is ‘not focused precisely enough on the knowledge that pupils need to learn’, leading to poorer retention.
- Leaders should ensure they provide the support teachers need to ‘deliver the aims of the curriculum consistently well in all subjects’.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with staff taking the matter seriously, recording concerns comprehensively, and working well with external agencies.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 59% |
| 2023/24 | 36% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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