Gillingham St Michael's Church of England Primary Academy
Beccles, NR34 0HT · Norfolk · primary school
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46th of 281 primary schools in Norfolk we can score, 343 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 2,826 of them, against 6.6/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Gillingham St Michael's Church of England Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 10.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join clubs for board games, Lego, and ball games. They compete in athletics, swimming, and road cycling. Arts include dance festivals and productions. Trips visit Norwich Castle and Ringsfield. A breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 41 pupils against a stated capacity of 60. 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 do not reach the expected standard? What specific support is available for those aiming for the higher standard? How does the breakfast club integrate with the morning routine?
What Ofsted said about Gillingham St Michael's Church of England Primary Academy
Overview
Pupils enjoy attending this school, where they feel happy and safe within a friendly and supportive community. The curriculum is carefully planned to build knowledge effectively over time, enabling pupils to achieve well across subjects. However, the report notes that some learning activities do not always capture pupils’ interests, leading to occasional lapses in focus and knowledge retention.
Strengths
- The curriculum "builds and connects pupils’ knowledge effectively over time," particularly in mixed-age groups, allowing pupils to "achieve well across the curriculum."
- Reading is "prioritised right from early years," with phonics teaching "well embedded" so pupils learn to read with confidence and develop a "passion for books."
- Pupils behave respectfully and are "accepting of each other’s differences," with no issues of bullying or discriminatory behaviour reported.
- Staff provide clear explanations and support, including well-considered adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Pupils value "enrichment opportunities," such as sporting competitions and residential trips, which help develop leadership and independence.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must ensure learning activities consistently "grasp and build on pupils’ interests" to prevent pupils from losing focus.
- Staff need to check more effectively how well activities are working to ensure all pupils "secure important knowledge consistently well."
- The school needs to provide further training for staff to address these engagement and retention issues.
Safeguarding
The report states that "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 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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