Handcross Primary School
Haywards Heath, RH17 6HB · West Sussex · primary school
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13th of 192 primary schools in West Sussex we can score, 225 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 8.4/10 against 4,236 of them, against 8.4/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 79.0 · 86 | 40% | 3.43 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Handcross Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 79.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 14.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (8.4 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the choir, instrumental music clubs, Rocksteady band lessons, or take piano, keyboard, clarinet, saxophone, or violin. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 238 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How are the various music clubs scheduled to ensure all interested pupils can participate?
What Ofsted said about Handcross Primary School
Overview
Handcross Primary School continues to be a good school, embodying a vision of being ‘Happy, Safe and Aiming High’. Pupils work hard, achieve well, and benefit from strong relationships and excellent routines that foster confidence and safety.
Strengths
- Reading is a clear priority, with phonics delivered ‘consistently well’ and books closely matched to sounds, resulting in older pupils reading with ‘fluency and expression’.
- Mathematics is ‘well taught throughout the school’, with pupils developing proficiency in number manipulation and problem-solving by Year 6.
- Staff are ‘skilled and well trained’, creating a ‘vibrant environment’ where children are ‘resilient and independent’ and resources are accessible.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘identified swiftly and very well supported’, enabling them to learn effectively.
- Leaders prioritise staff well-being, consulting regularly to reduce workload, while pupils demonstrate high standards of behaviour and mutual respect.
Areas to improve
- In ‘a few foundation subjects’, leaders have not identified key knowledge precisely, meaning some pupils ‘cannot build upon their knowledge over time’.
- Leaders need to continue developing the curriculum to clearly set out the order of essential knowledge across all subjects.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a ‘strong culture of safeguarding’ where staff receive excellent training and act swiftly on concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 83% |
| 2024/25 | 79% |
| 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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