Great Leighs Primary School
Chelmsford, CM3 1RP · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
290th 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 4,255 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.7/10 among them, against 3.1/10 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 | 52.0 · 22 | 40% | 0.88 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Great Leighs Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 52.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.7 out of 10 among them, against 3.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Brogan's School of Dance and Chelmsford City Football Club, or take guitar, keyboard, or wind instrument lessons. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 197 pupils against a stated capacity of 218. 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 to bridge the gap between the current 52.0% attainment rate and the national median? What specific strategies are in place to improve the 1.7 out of 10 ranking in the similar-intake comparison? How does the after-school club integrate with the curriculum to reinforce learning?
What Ofsted said about Great Leighs Primary School
Overview
Great Leighs Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils are enthusiastic and keen to learn. The report highlights an ambitious curriculum that equips pupils for modern life, supported by warm relationships and high staff expectations.
Strengths
- Pupils are ‘chatty and enthusiastic’, enjoying lessons described as ‘fun’ and ‘interesting’ while responding well to high expectations.
- Leaders have implemented an ambitious curriculum focusing on ‘living diverse, healthy and sustainable lifestyles’, with strengthened English teaching and a ‘rich reading diet’.
- Teachers possess good subject knowledge, effectively modelling new vocabulary and building in opportunities for pupils to revisit important content.
- Staff are well-trained in the new phonics programme, helping pupils experience success and enjoy reading through matched books.
- Staff feel well supported by leaders, who ensure sufficient time for tasks, positively impacting ‘work-life balance and well-being’.
Areas to improve
- Leaders are sometimes slow to provide extra help for pupils who find reading difficult, including some in Reception, meaning some do not make sufficient progress.
- Staff’s knowledge of supporting pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) is still developing, though they benefit from specialist advice.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders managing complex cases well through ‘effective liaison with external agencies’ and thorough record-keeping.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 71% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 52% |
| 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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