Handford Hall Primary School
Ipswich, IP1 2LQ · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
64th 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 — 7.4/10 against 2,336 of them, against 6.2/10 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 | 40% | 1.74 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 19.0 · 90 | 25% | 2.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Handford Hall 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%. For the higher standard, 19.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Lunchtime Reading Club, Lego Club, Performing Arts, Art Club, and GKR Karate. Sports options include football, multi-skills, table tennis, badminton, basketball, and athletics. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 360 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 provided for pupils who have not reached the expected standard? How are the various lunchtime clubs scheduled to ensure access for all year groups?
What Ofsted said about Handford Hall Primary School
Overview
Handford Hall Primary School is described as a “diverse, inclusive community” where pupils are “highly respectful” and behave “exceptionally well.” The inspection highlights an “ambitious curriculum” and “highly effective” personal development provision, resulting in a positive and safe environment for learners.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “positive attitudes to their learning,” are “eager to learn,” and make progress in their studies.
- Leaders have designed an “ambitious curriculum” with clear sequencing, particularly in early reading and mathematics where staff possess “expert subject knowledge.”
- The school offers an “excellent range of clubs and activities,” including sports and music, which make “significant contributions to their personal development.”
- Effective systems support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), enabling them to make “good progress.”
- Staff morale is high, with leaders providing strong support for well-being and workload.
Areas to improve
- In “a few foundation subjects,” information is not revisited frequently enough, meaning some pupils cannot “fluently recall what they have previously learned.”
- Leaders do not communicate expectations around punctuality “clearly enough,” resulting in many pupils missing “important learning” at the start of the day.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with staff receiving regular training and leaders responding “quickly and appropriately” to concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 72% |
| 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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