Bishop Henderson Church of England Primary School, Taunton
Taunton, TA1 4TU · Somerset · primary school
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16th of 156 primary schools in Somerset we can score, 219 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 7.9/10 against 4,305 of them, against 7.9/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| 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.
Bishop Henderson Church of England Primary School, Taunton overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 14.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.9 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the SOS Club, attend music lessons, and go on a residential trip to Swanage. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 423 pupils against a stated capacity of 398. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How is the transition to secondary school handled for Year 6 leavers?
What Ofsted said about Bishop Henderson Church of England Primary School, Taunton
Overview
Bishop Henderson Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school, characterised by a strong sense of community and a culture underpinned by the vision ‘Rooted together in love, we flourish and grow’. Pupils display positive attitudes, resilience, and polite behaviour within a respectful environment where they feel safe and supported. The school is ambitious for all pupils, with staff adapting learning effectively for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- The curriculum is carefully designed to include essential knowledge, with clear steps in learning that build over time in core subjects.
- Teachers possess strong subject knowledge, particularly in mathematics, and effectively check for misconceptions to inform next steps in learning.
- The reading curriculum is well sequenced, fostering a love of reading through initiatives like the reading hut and reading ambassadors.
- Pupils learn about healthy relationships, kindness, and physical well-being through a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and values-based activities.
- Leaders are mindful of staff workload and well-being, resulting in positive staff morale and overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents.
Areas to improve
- In the wider curriculum, teaching does not always routinely check or revisit prior learning, meaning pupils’ knowledge is not fully developed and secure in some subjects.
- There is variance in how consistently the phonics scheme is implemented, with some teaching lacking the precision needed to support all pupils in reading accurately and fluently.
Safeguarding
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 | 61% |
| 2023/24 | 73% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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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