Dell Primary School
Lowestoft, NR33 9NU · Suffolk · primary school
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189th of 232 primary schools in Suffolk we can score, 253 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 — 1.1/10 against 2,295 of them, against 1.3/10 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 | 47.0 · 15 | 40% | 0.60 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.78 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dell Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 47.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (1.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2022.
Getting in
The published school roll is 290 pupils against a stated capacity of 442. 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 expected standard in maths? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in writing? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Dell Primary School
Overview
Inspectors judged the school to be ‘Good’ across all categories, noting that leaders have significantly improved provision since the previous inspection. Pupils are described as ‘happy and safe’, benefiting from high expectations, strong relationships with staff, and a curriculum that prioritises reading. The report highlights a positive school culture where pupils behave ‘kindly and politely’ and engage enthusiastically in learning and extra-curricular activities.
Strengths
- Reading is the ‘highlight of the school’s curriculum’, with ‘shrewd’ support for weaker readers and strong progress from early years through to key stage 1.
- Behaviour has gone ‘from strength to strength’, supported by clear policies, warm staff relationships, and incentives like the ‘always award’.
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) ‘works well’, featuring precise targets and effective parental feedback mechanisms.
- Personal development is a strength, with pupils taking on responsibilities such as ‘health and safety leaders’ and participating in a wide range of clubs.
- Leaders demonstrate an ‘astute understanding’ of assessment, using data to inform planning and provide same-day catch-up sessions.
Areas to improve
- Curriculum plans for some subjects ‘lack clarity’, leading to ‘somewhat muddled instruction’ that hinders pupils’ ability to discuss their learning.
- Leaders must ensure all curriculum documentation is clear and train teachers to implement these plans effectively to support lesson sequencing.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with leaders ensuring necessary checks are completed, staff remain vigilant through frequent training, and pupils are taught wisely about keeping safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 54% |
| 2024/25 | 47% |
| 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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