Fordcombe Church of England Primary School
Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0RY · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
176th of 425 primary schools in Kent we can score, 460 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 — 7.5/10 against 2,393 of them, against 6.3/10 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 | 62.0 · 44 | 40% | 1.74 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 23.0 · 95 | 25% | 2.37 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Fordcombe Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. A higher 23.0% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join the School Gardening Club, attend art sessions, and participate in the school choir, nativities, and musicals. Private music lessons are also available. Both breakfast and after-school clubs operate to support families.
Getting in
The published school roll is 57 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 activities does the School Gardening Club involve during term time? How are places allocated if demand exceeds the 105 available spots?
What Ofsted said about Fordcombe Church of England Primary School
Overview
Fordcombe Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school, described as a "small and happy" environment where pupils enjoy attending. The school’s core values are central to daily life, fostering a community where pupils feel safe, respected, and supported in their learning.
Strengths
- Pupils are encouraged to work hard and achieve well, with staff maintaining "high expectations" for learning both in and beyond the classroom.
- Reading is taught effectively; children learn phonics from Reception, and struggling readers receive "effective extra support" to build confidence and fluency.
- The mathematics curriculum is "mostly well sequenced," with leaders precisely identifying what pupils should learn to help them build knowledge gradually.
- Staff provide high-quality safeguarding training, are "alert to signs" of risk, and report concerns swiftly to ensure pupils receive prompt help.
- Pupils develop positive attitudes towards learning, with "almost all pupils concentrate well in lessons" and behave respectfully towards others.
Areas to improve
- The curriculum in some wider subjects needs further refining, as it is "not precise enough" to help pupils link new learning with prior knowledge.
- Many subject leaders are new to their roles and have not yet consistently checked that planning is followed or reviewed how well pupils are learning.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving high-quality training and governors systematically checking that procedures are followed closely.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 100% |
| 2023/24 | 33% |
| 2024/25 | 62% |
| 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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