Great Waltham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Chelmsford, CM3 1DF · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
255th 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 4,199 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2/10 among them, against 3.8/10 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 | 54.0 · 26 | 40% | 1.03 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Great Waltham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 54.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 8.0% against a national median of 7%. An Ofsted inspection in 2022-11 rated the school Good. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2 out of 10 among them, against 3.8 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join iRock and Essex Music Services clubs, and participate in Sports Week and Sports Day.
Getting in
The published school roll is 191 pupils against a stated capacity of 165. 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
Since the 2022 inspection is now several years old, what specific improvements have been made to teaching since then? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Great Waltham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
Great Waltham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School continues to be a good school, offering a supportive environment where pupils are happy and motivated. The inspection confirms that leaders have maintained high standards, with a curriculum that is clearly planned in most areas and effective safeguarding arrangements in place.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a "supportive, caring environment" and show "high levels of concentration and engagement" with clear behaviour routines.
- The teaching of reading is "well considered," with staff effectively delivering phonics and providing targeted support for decoding and fluency.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "accurately identified" and achieve well through precise targets and expert staff support.
- The school’s Christian ethos fosters respect, with pupils demonstrating a mature understanding of values such as "aspiration, integrity and empathy."
- Reception children show "positive learning behaviours" and keenness to learn, supported by staff who relate learning to pupils’ own experiences.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, the curriculum is "less well developed," meaning teaching is not as clear and pupils struggle to connect current learning with past concepts.
- Leaders must ensure curriculum leaders adapt planning to clearly outline what must be learned and when, so pupils can "more easily link learning together" and remember more over time.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders being "tenacious in making sure concerns about pupils’ well-being or safety are followed up."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 54% |
| 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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