Friars Primary School and Nursery
Southend-on-Sea, SS3 9XX · Southend-on-Sea · primary school
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14th of 27 primary schools in Southend-on-Sea we can score, 33 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 — 6.1/10 against 1,737 of them, against 4.9/10 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 | 66.0 · 54 | 40% | 2.16 |
| 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.
Friars Primary School and Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 5.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Karate Club, participate in Southend United Football Club, and engage in Music and Dance. Trips include visits to Hyde Hall, Wat Tyler Country Park, Call of the Wild Zoo, Colchester Castle, The Imperial War Museum, The Tower of London, Thriftwood Camping residential, and Ilam Hall residential. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 429 pupils against a stated capacity of 472. 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 are included in the Music and Dance provision? How are the residential trips structured for younger pupils?
What Ofsted said about Friars Primary School and Nursery
Overview
Friars Primary School and Nursery has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils speak highly of their experiences, benefiting from a language-rich environment and staff who create cherished childhood memories. The school continues to provide high-quality education with a strong focus on reading, mathematics, and personal development.
Strengths
- Staff create a vibrant environment with "cherished childhood memories" and an outdoor space that captures pupils’ imaginations.
- The curriculum emphasises widening vocabulary, with a "well-chosen reading curriculum" that produces "avid readers".
- Teachers are "precise in their delivery," helping pupils become confident readers and correcting mathematical errors effectively.
- Pupils behave well, demonstrating respect and inclusion, such as ensuring everyone can see during circle-time.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are served well, with staff making informed adjustments and working closely with families.
Areas to improve
- The school should review the curriculum to provide younger pupils with more practice in letter formation and transcription to secure early handwriting skills.
- The school should continue to implement plans to remove barriers to attendance, as some pupils do not attend as often as they should.
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 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 51% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| 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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