Great Bardfield Primary School
Braintree, CM7 4RN · Essex · primary school
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385th 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 the 3,685 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.6/10 among them, against 1.2/10 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 | 45.0 · 13 | 40% | 0.51 |
| Ofsted | 10 | 35% | 0.34 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Great Bardfield Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. An April 2026 Ofsted inspection graded areas separately under the new framework. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.6 out of 10 among them, against 1.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join a gardening club, choir, and dance, gymnastics, athletics, and outdoor challenges. Trips include a local archaeological dig site visit and Frinton Beach. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 117 pupils against a stated capacity of 180. 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 strategies are used to raise attainment in writing? How does the curriculum prepare children for the transition to secondary school?
What Ofsted said about Great Bardfield Primary School
Overview
Great Bardfield Primary School is fulfilling the expected standard of education, with leaders demonstrating a clear vision and determination to provide the best possible experience for pupils. The report highlights a positive school culture where pupils are happy, safe, and eager to learn, supported by strong attendance and behaviour systems. While the curriculum is well-sequenced and inclusive, the inspection identifies specific inconsistencies in teaching practice and knowledge retention that require attention.
Strengths
- Pupils are "happy and excited to come to school," displaying "positive relationships with staff" and high levels of engagement.
- Attendance is a "high priority," with effective interventions ensuring disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs have higher than average attendance.
- The curriculum is "sequenced and progressive," with a well-established phonics programme enabling pupils to read and write confidently.
- Leaders have created an "inclusive school" where staff share a clear vision that all pupils should achieve their potential, regardless of background.
- Personal development is comprehensive, with pupils learning life skills through "weekly enrichment afternoons" and engaging in community activities.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure "foundational knowledge is well embedded" so pupils can consistently achieve well in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Staff need further development in "adaptive teaching" to ensure work is consistently well-matched to pupils' needs and allows them to demonstrate understanding clearly.
- Leaders should ensure staff "maximise quality interactions in the early years," particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with barriers to learning.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 79% |
| 2024/25 | 45% |
| 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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