Gurnard Primary School
Cowes, PO31 8DS · Isle of Wight · primary school
Check the area around this school
12th of 35 primary schools in Isle of Wight we can score, 36 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 3,809 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.1/10 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 | 62.0 · 44 | 62% | 2.68 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 38% | 1.13 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Gurnard Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.1 out of 10 among them, against 3.8 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils attend trips to the Bluereef Aquarium, Harry Potter Studios, and Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, plus a Year 5 residential. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 522 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 curriculum support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for children participating in the residential trip?
What Ofsted said about Gurnard Primary School
Overview
Pupils are described as ‘extremely happy and proud’ to attend, benefiting from an ‘aspirational’ environment where they feel they ‘belong’. The school delivers a ‘broad and ambitious’ curriculum with ‘excellent’ behaviour and ‘Outstanding’ personal development and early years provision.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate ‘heartfelt kindness’, are ‘polite and well mannered’, and show ‘exemplary’ behaviour throughout the school.
- The early years provision is ‘Outstanding’, with staff creating an environment where children feel safe and get an ‘exceptional start’.
- Reading is ‘highly prioritised’, ensuring nearly all pupils read fluently by the end of key stage 1, with effective support for those who struggle.
- Personal development is ‘Outstanding’, supported by a ‘clearly structured’ PSHE curriculum and ‘many enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities’.
- Staff have ‘strong subject knowledge’ and the curriculum is ‘logically ordered’ in many subjects, with teachers presenting information clearly.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, the school must ensure staff know how well pupils remember previous learning, as current checks are not always ‘fully effective’ in identifying gaps or misconceptions.
- The school should ensure it ‘checks pupils’ knowledge effectively’ and adapts teaching to build understanding securely, particularly for pupils with SEND who are occasionally given work beyond their capabilities.
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 | 69% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 62% |
| 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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