Cold Norton Primary School
Chelmsford, CM3 6JE · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
85th 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 3,510 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.7/10 among them, against 7.6/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 22.0 · 94 | 25% | 2.35 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cold Norton Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 22.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.7 out of 10 among them, against 7.6 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 157 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
What specific support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard? How does the curriculum adapt to the diverse backgrounds of the intake?
What Ofsted said about Cold Norton Primary School
Overview
Cold Norton Primary School is judged ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, marking a return to high standards following a long gap since its previous ‘Outstanding’ rating. The report highlights a positive school culture where pupils feel safe, valued, and proud of their contributions, though it notes that recent curriculum changes are still being embedded. While leadership has made bold decisions to improve teaching, some staff require further support to deliver the new curriculum effectively, and behaviour in lessons needs strengthening.
Strengths
- Pupils “commend their school highly” and feel “safe and cared for,” trusting adults who treat everyone equally.
- The school ensures pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive timely, accurate support and “achieve well.”
- A new phonics programme is delivered “consistently well,” with children in Reception enjoying learning sounds and reading independently.
- Leaders are “sensitive to staff well-being and workload,” and governors possess the skills to support ongoing changes.
- Pupils develop strong personal character through trips, clubs, and learning about diversity, understanding “what racism is” and online safety.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff have the necessary subject knowledge and skills to teach the new curriculum effectively, as current gaps hinder pupils’ progress.
- Leaders must ensure all staff address low-level off-task behaviour “swiftly and effectively,” as expectations for behaviour during lessons are not yet sufficiently high across the school.
Safeguarding
The report states that “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 | 87% |
| 2023/24 | 78% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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