Grafton Primary School
Dagenham, RM8 3EX · Barking and Dagenham · primary school
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25th of 39 primary schools in Barking and Dagenham we can score, 44 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 3,494 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4/10 among them, against 2.9/10 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 40% | 1.18 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Grafton Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in May 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4 out of 10 among them, against 2.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Gymnastics, Geography, Arts & Crafts, STEM, Irish Dancing, Ballet, Computing, and Street Dance clubs. Sports include football, cricket, and a girls' football team, alongside Rock Steady music lessons. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 892 pupils against a stated capacity of 920. 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 support is available for those aiming for the higher standard? How does the curriculum balance the wide range of clubs with core academic time?
What Ofsted said about Grafton Primary School
Overview
Grafton Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils feel safe, accepted, and proud of their inclusive community, with high expectations for learning and behaviour. The school continues to provide a broad, ambitious curriculum and strong support for pupils with special educational needs.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate a "keen sense of belonging" and take pride in contributing to an inclusive community where "everyone is accepted."
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," with knowledge "well sequenced to ensure that pupils build their knowledge over time."
- High-quality provision ensures pupils with SEND "access the same learning as their classmates" and are "fully included in all aspects of school life."
- A "well-structured enrichment programme" offers diverse cultural and social experiences, including outings and performances, for all pupils.
- Staff establish clear routines and provide "careful and sensitive support," resulting in high attendance and good behaviour.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure pupils have sufficient opportunity to develop accuracy and automaticity in writing across different subjects, as practice is currently limited outside English lessons.
- Systems to support older pupils at the early stages of reading are not fully embedded; the school must ensure these pupils are consistently supported to read with fluency and confidence.
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 | 69% |
| 2023/24 | 48% |
| 2024/25 | 56% |
| 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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