Ferndale Primary School & Nursery
Swindon, SN2 1NX · Swindon · primary school
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22nd of 54 primary schools in Swindon we can score, 66 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 — 5.3/10 against 4,203 of them, against 5.7/10 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ferndale Primary School & Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 413 pupils against a stated capacity of 500. 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 does a typical day look like for a child in the nursery section? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2024 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Ferndale Primary School & Nursery
Overview
Ferndale Primary School & Nursery continues to be a good school, offering a "calm and purposeful atmosphere" where pupils are "welcoming and friendly." The report highlights an "ambitious curriculum" with a strong focus on language development and reading, ensuring pupils make secure progress in key subjects.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "positive learning behaviours" and have a "thirst to learn new things," contributing to high attendance.
- The curriculum is well-designed, with knowledge broken into logical sequences; staff ensure pupils understand "subject-specific vocabulary."
- Children in Nursery make a "strong start," benefiting from practical opportunities and "high-quality conversations" that develop communication skills.
- Reading is prioritised through a "well-planned phonics curriculum," resulting in pupils becoming "fluent, confident readers" who read for pleasure.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "well supported," allowing them to "progress successfully and participate fully in school life."
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, teachers’ checks on pupils’ understanding are not used to inform subsequent teaching, leading to "gaps in their learning." The school must ensure assessment informs future teaching and curriculum design.
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 | 74% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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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