Finlay Community School
Gloucester, GL4 6TR · Gloucestershire · primary school
Check the area around this school
27th of 218 primary schools in Gloucestershire we can score, 241 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 — 9.5/10 against 1,656 of them, against 8.7/10 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 | 80.0 · 88 | 40% | 3.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 17.0 · 87 | 25% | 2.18 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Finlay Community School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 80.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 17.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Reading Rocks, Finlay Flyer, Maths problem solving, With the Ball, Cheer Club, Young Voices, Cathedral Choir, and IRock. Sports include tag rugby, netball, rounders, boys and girls football, karate, and gymnastics. A breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 412 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 do not reach the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Finlay Community School
Overview
Finlay Community School is described as a "warm, welcoming and inclusive" institution where pupils feel valued and safe. The report highlights an "ambitious curriculum" that is well sequenced, resulting in pupils who are "keen to learn" and well prepared for secondary school. Overall effectiveness is judged as Good.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well sequenced and progressive," helping pupils to "know more and remember more" through consistent teaching strategies.
- Relationships are "positive and caring," with high expectations for behaviour resulting in a "calm and orderly" school environment.
- Staff possess the necessary subject knowledge and prioritise developing pupils’ vocabulary, including specific terms in early years.
- There is a "well-structured programme" for phonics, enabling most pupils to read "fluently and confidently."
- Leaders support staff well, considering their "well-being and workload," while governors fulfil their statutory responsibilities effectively.
Areas to improve
- The school should "sharpen how teaching matches learning to pupils’ needs," as activities for some pupils, including those with SEND, do not always precisely match their knowledge.
- Attendance remains an issue, with the number of pupils who are "persistently absent" remaining "too high," leading to gaps in knowledge.
Safeguarding
The report states that "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 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 70% |
| 2024/25 | 80% |
| 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 GL4 6TR, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT