Halifax Primary School
Ipswich, IP2 8PY · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
43rd of 232 primary schools in Suffolk we can score, 253 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.0/10 against 2,737 of them, against 7.1/10 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 | 72.0 · 71 | 40% | 2.83 |
| 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.
Halifax Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 72.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 11.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Forest Schools and Play Leaders clubs. Sports include swimming, football, dodgeball, archery, dance, basketball, tennis, and gymnastics. Trips visit Foxburrow Farm, Colchester Castle, Hallowtree Scout Campsite, and Duxford Air Museum. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 409 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 who do not reach the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the Forest Schools sessions?
What Ofsted said about Halifax Primary School
Overview
Halifax Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” Pupils “eagerly attend this school,” where they experience an “engaging and enjoyable” day characterised by kindness and respect. The school provides a broad curriculum that prepares pupils well for their next steps, supported by clear expectations and a calm environment.
Strengths
- Pupils “behave very well” and work with enthusiasm, contributing to a “calm, safe and happy” school atmosphere.
- The curriculum is carefully planned, with staff using “regular, planned recall activities” to help pupils retain knowledge securely.
- Reading is a strength; pupils “often love reading” and become “fluent and accurate readers” through effective support and tracking.
- Staff accurately identify pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), providing well-trained support so these pupils “achieve well.”
- Children in Reception gain a “strong foundation for future learning,” developing independence and vocabulary through skilful staff interaction.
Areas to improve
- In some curriculum areas, staff’s subject knowledge is “not as secure as it could be,” which sometimes means gaps and misconceptions are not addressed effectively.
- The school should ensure staff have the necessary “subject knowledge and expertise” to implement the curriculum consistently well across all subjects.
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 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 73% |
| 2024/25 | 72% |
| 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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