Gorseland Primary School
IPSWICH, IP5 3QR · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
136th 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 4,240 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.2/10 among them, against 5.4/10 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| Ofsted | 10 | 35% | 0.34 |
| 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.
Gorseland Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A higher 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted inspected the school in December 2025 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.2 out of 10 among them, against 5.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join French, Choir, Music, Drama, and Brickologists clubs, or take piano lessons and join the Band Academy. Sports include football, hockey, tennis, dodgeball, and girls football. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 461 pupils against a stated capacity of 502. 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 steps are taken to raise attainment in the areas graded lower by Ofsted?
What Ofsted said about Gorseland Primary School
Overview
Gorseland Primary School is described as an inclusive institution where pupils are “ready, respectful and safe.” Leaders have established “solid foundations” for future success, with overall attainment at the end of key stage 2 remaining “close to national averages.” The report highlights a positive culture where staff know pupils well and bullying is “extremely rare.”
Strengths
- Staff teach English and mathematics “consistently well,” using clear routines that help pupils “remember and recall the important information.”
- Attendance has improved significantly, with persistent absence “significantly reduced recently due to effective support for individual pupils.”
- The early years curriculum is effective, ensuring children are “well prepared for future learning in Year 1” through consistent phonics and purposeful play.
- The school is highly inclusive, with SEN units ensuring every pupil is “included in school life” and assemblies are accessible to all.
- Pupils have a strong voice, exemplified by initiatives like ‘Wellbeing Champions’ and a ‘buddy bench’ that help pupils “feel happy and safe.”
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the curriculum is taught “consistently and effectively across all subjects,” as teaching in some areas beyond English and mathematics is less secure.
- Leaders need to use data on pupil progress and attendance more strategically to “evaluate and analyse the impact of strategies” and inform future improvements.
- Leaders should strengthen their evaluation of support strategies to improve outcomes for disadvantaged pupils, who currently “do not achieve as well as they could.”
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders having established an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” and concerns are actively managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 77% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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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