Bishops Down Primary and Nursery School
Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9SU · Kent · primary school
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363rd 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 3.5/10 against 3,510 of them, against 3.9/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 13 | 35% | 0.45 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bishops Down Primary and Nursery School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (3.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.9 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in March 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in Gardening Club, ball games, skipping, mini-orienteering, crafting, model making, drawing, hama beads, puzzles, speed stacking, word-searchers, and collage. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 194 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 standard to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific activities are included in the daily sports and arts curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Bishops Down Primary and Nursery School
Overview
Bishops Down Primary and Nursery School is described as an inclusive institution where pupils experience a "warm, happy and caring welcome." The report highlights that leaders have created a "highly effective school culture" where diversity is celebrated and every pupil is valued. Pupils are "well prepared for the next stage of their education," with strong attendance and behaviour underpinning a positive learning environment.
Strengths
- Attendance and behaviour are rated at a "Strong standard," with pupils displaying "exemplary" conduct and "commendable" attitudes to learning.
- Inclusion is a "distinct strength," featuring a "highly effective" support system for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils.
- Safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
- The curriculum is "ambitious and interesting," allowing pupils to build knowledge coherently, while staff foster "positive relationships" with families.
- Pupils develop strong personal development and wellbeing, engaging in enrichment activities and demonstrating "empathy" and "positive citizenship."
Areas to improve
- Teachers must "promptly identify and address key gaps" in foundational spelling, writing, and number skills to ensure all pupils secure the basics.
- Teaching in the early years should be enhanced so children "develop their vocabulary and communication skills securely" across all areas of learning.
Safeguarding
The report states that safeguarding standards are met, noting that leaders have established an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and that "pupils are made safer and feel safe."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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