Forest Academy
Brandon, IP27 0FP · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
198th 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 the 3,465 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.3/10 among them, against 2.9/10 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 | 54.0 · 26 | 40% | 1.03 |
| Ofsted | 13 | 35% | 0.45 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Forest Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 54.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0%, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4 out of 10 among them, against 2.9 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in Forest School, the Daily Mile, swimming, and artist days. Trips include visits to Brandon Country Park and the Women’s Six Nations. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 389 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific areas did the March 2026 inspection highlight for improvement? How does the after-school club integrate with the daily timetable?
What Ofsted said about Forest Academy
Overview
Forest Academy is a highly inclusive school where leaders prioritise pupil wellbeing and remove barriers to learning. The report highlights "strong standard" provision in inclusion and personal development, with "expected standard" outcomes in achievement, attendance, and leadership. Pupils enjoy a supportive environment and are well prepared for secondary education.
Strengths
- Inclusion is central to the school’s ethos, with "prompt" identification of needs and "detailed" information sharing that supports all pupils, including those with special educational needs.
- Personal development is taught to a "high-quality" standard, ensuring pupils have "excellent recall" of key concepts and are well prepared for life in modern Britain.
- Staff build "effective relationships with families" and work closely with other schools to ensure smooth transitions for pupils joining at different times.
- The curriculum is "well organised and progressive," with "precise" teaching in English and mathematics that enables pupils to succeed.
- Leaders actively track participation to ensure disadvantaged pupils have "the same opportunities" as their peers, including in sports and cultural activities.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure staff choose activities that "deepen pupils’ understanding" and consistently reinforce key spelling and grammar knowledge.
- Adults in the early years should further develop how they support and extend children’s play to encourage speech, language, and vocabulary.
- Trustees should continue accessing training to fully understand their roles, particularly regarding the management of a single academy trust.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 54% |
| 2024/25 | 54% |
| 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 IP27 0FP, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT