Freshwaters Primary Academy
Harlow, CM20 3QA · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
241st of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 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 — 5.0/10 against 1,954 of them, against 4.2/10 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 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Freshwaters Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 5.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in netball, rounders, cricket, tag rugby, football, athletics, dodgeball, and swimming, with an after-school club available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 413 pupils against a stated capacity of 446. 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 take place during the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about Freshwaters Primary Academy
Overview
Freshwaters Primary Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school is described as inclusive and welcoming, where staff know pupils well and foster strong relationships. Pupils enjoy an ambitious curriculum and achieve well, supported by high expectations for behaviour and learning.
Strengths
- Staff have good subject knowledge and use ‘big questions’ to encourage curiosity and a love of learning.
- The reading curriculum is well organised, with an effective phonics approach that helps early years pupils become confident, fluent readers.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported very well, with learning adapted effectively so they can access the same curriculum as their peers.
- Pupils behave well, displaying kindness and respect, within a calm and purposeful environment.
- Personal development provision helps pupils understand responsibility and respect for differences, with older pupils enjoying leadership roles.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, pupils have gaps in knowledge and do not remember previous learning; the school should ensure pupils make connections between prior and current learning to deepen understanding.
- Some pupils have low attendance, disrupting their learning and causing them to miss pastoral support; the school should explore further strategies to secure regular attendance.
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 | 66% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 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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