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Blackmore Primary School

Ingatestone, CM4 0QR · Essex · primary school

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Ofsted report card · 2026 Lowest area: Expected standard Mixed Primary
3.8/10 Broadly average

291st of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 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 4,169 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.9/10 among them, against 5.1/10 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 55.0 · 27 40% 1.10
Ofsted 13 35% 0.45
Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 18.0 · 89 25% 2.23

Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.

Blackmore Primary School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 55.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 18.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.9 out of 10 among them, against 5.1 out of 10 nationally. The May 2026 inspection used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.

Getting in

The published school roll is 166 pupils against a stated capacity of 175. 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 raise attainment in reading for the majority of Year 6 pupils? How does the new inspection framework affect the school’s current improvement plan?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about Blackmore Primary School

Inspection report dated 12 May 2026

Overview

Blackmore Primary School is described as a place where pupils feel "included and valued" within a "caring and cohesive school community." The report highlights a "strong commitment to inclusion" and effective early years provision, noting that pupils are "well prepared for their next steps." While most aspects of the school meet the expected standard, there are specific areas regarding curriculum depth and assessment consistency that require attention.

Strengths

  • Early years provision is of a "strong standard," with a "thoughtfully sequenced" curriculum that supports children’s readiness for Year 1.
  • Inclusion is a "strong standard," ensuring all pupils, including those with special educational needs, participate fully through "highly personalised" support.
  • Behaviour is "positive," underpinned by "well-established and respectful relationships," with bullying described as "rare."
  • Staff are viewed by pupils as "kind, approachable and supportive," contributing to a safe environment where children "thrive."
  • Leaders demonstrate a "strong sense of pride" and foster "positive, constructive" relationships with parents and external partners.

Areas to improve

  • Leaders should ensure the personal development curriculum allows pupils to develop a deeper understanding of "fundamental British values and protected characteristics," as this is not "consistently well embedded."
  • Leaders should ensure staff use assessment "consistently and effectively" to check pupils' understanding and adjust teaching, as there is currently "variability" in this practice.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed," ensuring pupils are "made safer and feel safe."

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Expected standard
55%
2024/25
Higher standard
18%
2024/25
Demand
×1.12
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
11%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.

52% 2022/23
68% 2023/24
55% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for Blackmore Primary School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2352%
2023/2468%
2024/2555%
England64%

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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