Forestdale Primary School
Croydon, CR0 9JE · Croydon · primary school
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31st of 77 primary schools in Croydon we can score, 87 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 — 7.9/10 against 3,809 of them, against 7.4/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 41% | 2.54 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.78 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 21.0 · 93 | 25% | 2.36 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Forestdale Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 21.0% achieved this, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 405 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 close to the higher standard threshold? What specific activities are available within the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Forestdale Primary School
Overview
Forestdale Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils are "very proud" and find their learning "enjoyable and stimulating." The report highlights a positive culture where pupils are "kind, polite and courteous," and staff maintain high expectations, particularly in reading and mathematics.
Strengths
- The curriculum in subjects like mathematics is "well thought out and carefully ordered," building consistently on prior learning.
- Leaders prioritise reading with an "ambitious phonics programme," resulting in a "genuine love of reading amongst pupils and adults alike."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are identified early and receive "well-planned support" to access the full curriculum.
- Staff workload is managed effectively, with leaders ensuring sufficient time for tasks during the school day.
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff being "vigilant and prompt at passing on concerns."
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, such as geography, the curriculum is "not yet sufficiently well planned and sequenced," with significant knowledge not clearly identified.
- A few pupils in key stage 1 struggle with reading fluency; support for these pupils is not always "targeted sharply" enough to build confidence.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with rigorous checks on staff suitability and regular training ensuring pupils are kept safe at home, school, and online.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 81% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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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