Desmond Anderson Primary Academy
Crawley, RH10 5EA · West Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
147th of 192 primary schools in West Sussex we can score, 225 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 2,919 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.7/10 among them, against 2.2/10 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 | 51.0 · 21 | 40% | 0.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Desmond Anderson Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 51.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.7 out of 10 among them, against 2.2 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 434 pupils against a stated capacity of 440. 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 steps are taken to raise attainment to the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Desmond Anderson Primary Academy
Overview
Desmond Anderson Primary Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection. The school fosters an inclusive atmosphere where pupils are happy, feel safe, and demonstrate pride in their learning. Leaders have addressed historic variations in teaching quality, ensuring pupils now study an ambitious curriculum and are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.
Strengths
- The provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a "significant strength," with staff adapting teaching effectively to help these pupils achieve ambitious goals.
- Pupils benefit from an "ambitious and well-organised curriculum" that starts in the early years and promptly supports those arriving part-way through the school year.
- Reading is central to learning, with staff delivering the phonics programme effectively so that pupils become "confident and fluent readers."
- Staff development is high-quality, enabling teachers to use strong subject knowledge to present information clearly and model learning effectively.
- The school offers a wide range of enriching activities, including clubs and trips, which pupils "relish" and which harness their talents.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must use assessment more efficiently to check what pupils know and understand before moving on, ensuring key gaps in knowledge are identified and addressed.
- The teaching of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and letter formation is less well developed, resulting in variable quality in pupils’ written work; staff need consistent training in these areas.
Safeguarding
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 | 49% |
| 2023/24 | 47% |
| 2024/25 | 51% |
| 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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