Bures Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Bures, CO8 5BX · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
158th of 232 primary schools in Suffolk we can score, 253 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 4,195 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.1/10 among them, against 2.3/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| 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.
Bures Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.1 out of 10 among them, against 2.3 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 161 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 bridge the gap between the current 50.0% attainment rate and the national median of 64%? What specific strategies are in place to raise the 3.0% higher standard figure?
What Ofsted said about Bures Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
Bures Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School is described as a “happy, supportive place to learn” where pupils are proud and feel safe. The report highlights that leaders have high expectations, resulting in good behaviour and a curriculum that is generally well-planned, though clarity varies across subjects.
Strengths
- Pupils “enjoy learning” and benefit from a “rigorous” early reading curriculum that ensures they become “confident and keen readers.”
- Teachers teach effectively in subjects with clear planning, using “familiar routines” and regular checks to help pupils remember and build on their knowledge.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive “effective support,” developing confidence and independence through targeted expertise.
- The school fosters strong personal development, with pupils showing “respect for others’ views” and taking on responsibilities such as peer mediation.
- Governors are “dedicated” and work supportively with staff, ensuring improvement priorities are clear while considering teacher workload.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, curriculum plans lack clarity regarding the “most important knowledge” and the order in which it should be taught, leading to “patchy” learning and slower progress for some pupils.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff who are “well trained” and leaders who “respond promptly to concerns” and work effectively with other agencies to protect pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 64% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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