Harbour Primary and Nursery School
Newhaven, BN9 9LX · East Sussex · primary school
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17th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.8/10 against 2,104 of them, against 7.5/10 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 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Harbour Primary and Nursery 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%. For the higher standard, the figure was 12.0% 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 (8.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Chess, Literary games, Eco club, Forest School, Lego, Arts and Crafts, Mindful Colouring, and Computing clubs. Sports and activities include Card and Board games, Debate Club, Pancake flipping, Conkers, and Egg rolling. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 473 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. 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 Forest School curriculum integrate with the main timetable? What specific support is provided for pupils aiming for the higher standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about Harbour Primary and Nursery School
Overview
Harbour Primary and Nursery School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The report describes a “caring and vibrant school” where pupils are “bold and polite” and demonstrate a strong eagerness to learn. Leaders use accurate information to drive strategic improvement, ensuring pupils receive a “broad and ambitious curriculum” that prepares them well for their next steps.
Strengths
- Pupils are “respectful of the school rules” and show kindness, contributing to an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and supported.
- The curriculum in phonics, English, and mathematics has been improved, resulting in “increased pupil achievements” and orderly knowledge building.
- Staff provide “effective, additional daily reading opportunities,” helping pupils read with “fluency and confidence.”
- The school identifies pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) quickly and adapts provision “very effectively” to meet their pastoral and academic needs.
- Attendance has improved significantly, with staff working swiftly to “remove barriers to good attendance” and engage with professionals to support families.
Areas to improve
- Staff must use assessment strategies more efficiently to “identify and address gaps in pupils learning consistently,” as some gaps currently go unaddressed.
- Teachers should design learning with “greater precision” to help pupils deepen and extend their knowledge, ensuring all pupils achieve as well as they could.
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 | 71% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 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
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