Great Dunmow Primary School
Great Dunmow, CM6 1ZR · Essex · primary school
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17th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 8.6/10 against 3,837 of them, against 8.9/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 87.0 · 96 | 62% | 5.88 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 38% | 2.98 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Great Dunmow Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 87.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 13.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (8.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 421 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 in reaching the higher standard in key subjects? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year?
What Ofsted said about Great Dunmow Primary School
Overview
Great Dunmow Primary School is described as a "happy inclusive school" where "pupils flourish" and demonstrate "exemplary" behaviour. The report highlights an "ambitious curriculum" and "exceptional" personal development, noting that staff care deeply for pupils and quickly resolve any worries.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit "exemplary" behaviour and are "incredibly proud of their school," valuing kind friends and caring staff.
- Reading is a clear priority; staff use a "consistent approach" to teaching phonics, ensuring pupils "read with enthusiasm" and access the curriculum well.
- The "programme for personal development is exceptional," with pupils learning about respect, honesty, and healthy relationships through visits and assemblies.
- Teachers possess "good subject knowledge," explaining concepts clearly and correcting misconceptions promptly, particularly in mathematics and English.
- The school identifies pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "as early as possible," making effective adaptations so they can "achieve well."
Areas to improve
- In "a few subjects," checks on how well pupils have learned the curriculum are "not fully effective," leading to unaddressed gaps in learning.
- The school must strengthen these assessment processes so that pupils "achieve highly across the breadth of the curriculum."
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 | 78% |
| 2023/24 | 80% |
| 2024/25 | 87% |
| 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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