Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School
Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9SF · East Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
20th of 130 primary schools in East Sussex we can score, 144 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 3,547 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.3/10 among them, against 7.4/10 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 | 74.0 · 76 | 40% | 3.02 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 74.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 11.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.3 out of 10 among them, against 7.4 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 117 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 who do not reach the expected standard in core subjects? What does a typical day look like for a child in the middle years? How does the school engage parents in monitoring progress between formal reports?
What Ofsted said about Groombridge St Thomas' Church of England Primary School
Overview
Pupils are described as happy and proud of the school’s values, thriving in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Leaders have established high expectations for behaviour and learning, resulting in strong relationships and effective support for all pupils, including those with special educational needs. The school is judged ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, reflecting sustained progress since its previous ‘Outstanding’ rating.
Strengths
- Pupils feel safe, with strong relationships and very little bullying; staff resolve any unkindness swiftly.
- Early reading is taught consistently well, with effective phonics support and a strong culture of reading involving the community.
- The curriculum in core subjects (mathematics, reading, writing) is well sequenced, allowing pupils to confidently remember and apply their learning.
- Staff are well supported, with leaders prioritising well-being and providing high-quality training.
- Pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities, particularly in sports, and understand how to cooperate with others.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, such as history, the sequencing of knowledge is not yet complete, meaning learning is not always connected well enough from early years to Year 6.
- Teachers’ knowledge and pedagogical strategies are not consistently strong across all subjects, sometimes leading to tasks that do not help pupils retain intended knowledge.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with well-trained staff who understand local risks and statutory duties, ensuring pupils know how to stay safe and can speak to trusted adults.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 74% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of TN3 9SF, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT