Danehill Church of England Primary School
Haywards Heath, RH17 7JB · East Sussex · primary school
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66th 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 3,905 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.4/10 among them, against 4.0/10 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 | 55.0 · 27 | 40% | 1.10 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Danehill Church of England 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, 9.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.4 out of 10 among them, against 4.0 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Zuleika's Creative Rhythmic Gymnastics and attend trips to Ashdown Forest, Cuckmere Haven, and Cumnor House School. They participate in D-Day events, Great Fire of London workshops, and dance workshops at Ardingly College. A breakfast club and after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 64 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 55.0% expected standard and the national median? What specific strategies are used to raise the 9.0% higher standard attainment?
What Ofsted said about Danehill Church of England Primary School
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms the school remains ‘good’, though inspectors noted the grade might be lower if a full graded inspection occurred now. The school is described as ‘friendly’ and ‘welcoming’, where pupils are ‘happy, confident and enthusiastic learners’. However, inconsistencies in curriculum planning and attendance present challenges that require further attention.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from ‘relaxed, warm and supportive’ relationships and a curriculum enriched by ‘meaningful experiences’ such as woodland learning.
- Early reading is strong, with phonics taught ‘systematically’ and struggling pupils receiving effective support to ‘catch up quickly’.
- Staff in core subjects use ‘clear systems to check what pupils know’, enabling targeted support for pupils with SEND.
- Personal development is well-supported through roles like ‘play leaders’ and a curriculum covering ‘a range of faiths’.
- Parents describe the school as ‘a little gem’ where children are ‘flourishing’.
Areas to improve
- The curriculum lacks precise sequencing in some subjects, meaning ‘pupils’ learning does not always build towards clearly defined curriculum aims’.
- Assessment methods in foundation subjects are not always effective, so teachers ‘do not always have the information they need to identify and address gaps’.
- Attendance remains an issue, as work to improve it is ‘not yet having sufficient impact’ for pupils who do not attend regularly.
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 | 29% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 55% |
| 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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