Elm Tree Primary School
Lowestoft, NR33 9HN · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
41st 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.2/10 against 2,673 of them, against 7.2/10 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 | 81.0 · 89 | 40% | 3.58 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Elm Tree Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 81.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 6.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 266 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 working towards the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are available in the after-school club? How does the school maintain the Good Ofsted rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Elm Tree Primary School
Overview
Elm Tree Primary School is described as having a "strong community ethos" where pupils are "very happy" and feel safe. The report highlights "exceptionally strong" behaviour and an "ambitious curriculum" that fosters inquisitive learners, noting significant improvements since the previous inspection.
Strengths
- Pupils display "exceptionally strong" behaviour, showing "tremendous empathy" and resolving disputes independently.
- Reading is a high priority with a "consistent approach" that enables pupils to decode words with "accuracy and fluency".
- Leaders provide "bespoke training" and clear support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- The early years curriculum is "well structured," providing secure foundations for future learning.
- Pupils make "significant contributions to their local community" through charitable activities and environmental care.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, pupils do not recall previous learning as well as in others due to insufficiently planned opportunities to practise and demonstrate knowledge. Leaders should ensure the curriculum gives pupils "regular opportunities to revisit important knowledge" across all subjects.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with robust systems for reporting concerns, regular staff training, and thorough checks on new staff to ensure everyone is safe to work with children.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 80% |
| 2023/24 | 86% |
| 2024/25 | 81% |
| 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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