Cross-in-Hand Church of England Primary School
Heathfield, TN21 0XG · East Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
48th of 130 primary schools in East Sussex we can score, 144 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 4,236 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.3/10 among them, against 5.4/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 41% | 2.66 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.77 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.90 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cross-in-Hand Church of England 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%. However, 4.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.3 out of 10 among them, against 5.4 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 379 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 reach the higher standard in core subjects? What specific clubs or trips are available this term? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating?
What Ofsted said about Cross-in-Hand Church of England Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are “cheerful, kind and welcoming” and feel a “real sense of belonging.” Leaders and governors are praised for promoting personal development, resilience, and equal opportunities, resulting in confident pupils ready for secondary school.
Strengths
- The curriculum for reading, mathematics, science, and some foundation subjects is “well sequenced,” helping pupils “learn more and remember more.”
- Teachers possess “expert knowledge,” enabling pupils to apply skills with “fluency and confidence,” particularly in mathematics.
- The school is “inclusive and nurturing,” with accurate systems to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Early years provision is strong, with clear systems to help children settle and a focus on reading and phonics.
- Staff workload is considered carefully, and staff members “get on well” and find leaders “approachable.”
Areas to improve
- Leaders must identify essential knowledge and the order of learning in every foundation subject, as gaps in some areas mean pupils are “not building their knowledge securely enough.”
- In subjects like geography and art, pupils struggle to “make meaningful connections to previous learning” due to curriculum sequencing issues.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with leaders acting quickly to ensure pupils receive necessary support and staff receiving regular updates and training.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 71% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 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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