Coldean Primary School
Brighton, BN1 9EN · Brighton and Hove · primary school
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18th of 42 primary schools in Brighton and Hove we can score, 47 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 4.4/10 against 1,275 of them, against 3.4/10 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 | 46.0 · 14 | 40% | 0.55 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Coldean Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 46.0% 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 10.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 309 pupils against a stated capacity of 406. 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 national median in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in reading and writing? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap between expected and higher standards?
What Ofsted said about Coldean Primary School
Overview
Coldean Primary School is described as a “vibrant, inclusive and happy school” where pupils are “proud to belong.” Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and personal development, fostering an environment where children develop “confidence and self-esteem” and feel safe. The school is judged as ‘Good’ overall, with ‘Outstanding’ ratings for personal development and early years provision.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “kindness, resilience, trust and pride,” conducting themselves well and trusting staff to resolve disagreements effectively.
- The early years provision is “purposeful and inviting,” helping children thrive and become “very well prepared for key stage 1.”
- Staff are “ambitious for all pupils,” including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), adapting lessons skilfully to include everyone.
- A “well-established phonics programme” ensures pupils love reading, with effective support helping those who find it difficult to “catch up quickly.”
- Governors provide “well-considered support and challenge,” and staff appreciate the professional support and workload management they receive.
Areas to improve
- “Too many pupils do not attend school as often as they should,” causing them to miss important learning and fall behind peers.
- The writing curriculum is “not securely and consistently embedded,” meaning some pupils do not build knowledge “coherently and sequentially.”
- There is “variability in the quality of the foundation curriculum’s implementation,” preventing some pupils from achieving as highly as they could in certain subjects.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a “strong culture of safeguarding” and clear systems to identify and support pupils at risk of harm.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 2024/25 | 46% |
| 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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