Dorothy Barley Junior Academy
Dagenham, RM8 2NB · Barking and Dagenham · primary school
Check the area around this school
35th of 39 primary schools in Barking and Dagenham we can score, 44 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 — 3.3/10 against 2,388 of them, against 3.1/10 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dorothy Barley Junior Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0%, 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 (3.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council, Learning Council, and Pupil Parliament, and a breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 294 pupils against a stated capacity of 457. 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 towards the higher standard? How does the current inspection rating reflect recent changes in teaching practice?
What Ofsted said about Dorothy Barley Junior Academy
Overview
This is a ‘caring school where pupils are taught to include everyone’, characterised by high aspirations and a focus on personal development. Leaders have recently made the curriculum ‘more ambitious’ to raise achievement, resulting in a positive environment where pupils are ‘happy and well cared for’. The inspection confirms that the school is effective in its provision, with strong support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a ‘wide range of experiences beyond the classroom’, including community contributions and museum visits.
- Teachers ‘skilfully adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of pupils with SEND’, ensuring they grow in confidence and learn well.
- A strong focus on reading helps pupils ‘develop a love of reading’, with well-trained staff supporting weaker readers to catch up.
- Staff are supported by the trust, with leaders prioritising their well-being and taking workload into account.
- Pupils understand the school’s ‘golden rules’ and behave well in ‘calm, orderly’ classrooms and playgrounds.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure work given to pupils is ‘routinely well matched to the aims of the curriculum’, as some activities do not focus sharply enough on essential knowledge.
- Teachers must make ‘effective use of formative assessment’ to identify misconceptions swiftly and adapt teaching so pupils move on to complex tasks when ready.
- Leaders should follow through with new procedures to address ‘pupils’ absence’, improving attendance for those frequently missing school.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with robust pre-employment checks and staff who are well trained to identify risks and report concerns promptly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of RM8 2NB, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT