Dedham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Colchester, CO7 6BZ · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
37th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 8.8/10 against 3,755 of them, against 9.0/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 83.0 · 92 | 40% | 3.67 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 17.0 · 87 | 25% | 2.18 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dedham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 83.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 17.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (8.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 202 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 who are not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific trips are planned for the next academic year? How does the school manage the transition for Year 6 pupils leaving the school?
What Ofsted said about Dedham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
Pupils “thrive” at this school, becoming “resilient, confident young people” through “exceptional personal development provision.” The school delivers a “broad, ambitious curriculum” where pupils “achieve well,” supported by an “inclusive Christian ethos” that fosters a strong sense of community.
Strengths
- Personal development is “Outstanding,” with pupils learning “exceptionally well about the diversity of modern Britain” and developing leadership skills.
- The curriculum in English and mathematics is “established and effective,” ensuring pupils “confidently grasp key knowledge.”
- Reading is promoted effectively; most pupils are “enthusiastic readers” who benefit from “diverse, ambitious texts” and rigorous support for weaker readers.
- Staff provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and social, emotional, and mental health needs.
- Pupils “enjoy school and attend very well,” displaying positive behaviour and pride in their work.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects and the early years, the curriculum is “not yet designed or taught as well as leaders intend,” meaning pupils do not always gain the necessary breadth of knowledge.
- The school must ensure staff receive adequate training to guarantee “consistently high quality” learning experiences across all subjects and key stages.
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 | 64% |
| 2023/24 | 64% |
| 2024/25 | 83% |
| 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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