Higham Primary School
Rochester, ME3 7JL · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
300th of 425 primary schools in Kent we can score, 460 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 4,250 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.8/10 among them, against 3.1/10 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Higham Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.8 out of 10 among them, against 3.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council and attended a PGL trip in 2025. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 210 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
How does the school support pupils to bridge the gap between the expected and higher standards? What specific support is available for children who need extra help in maths? How does the school manage class sizes when the roll is at full capacity?
What Ofsted said about Higham Primary School
Overview
Pupils describe Higham Primary School as a good place to be, with a strong sense of belonging and high expectations for achievement. The school delivers a broad and ambitious curriculum, with particular strengths in early reading, art, and personal development, ensuring most pupils are well-supported and engaged.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate a "great sense of positivity and enthusiasm" for learning, particularly in subjects like art and design where they produce "high-quality work".
- The early reading curriculum is "well-established and effective," with daily phonics sessions and staff training supporting pupils on their "journey to reading fluency".
- Personal development is a strength, with a strong focus on PSHE that helps pupils become "good citizens" with an understanding of their place in the world.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "identified early and well supported," with staff receiving ongoing training to adapt the curriculum effectively.
- Behaviour management has been redeveloped with pupils, resulting in an approach that is "working well" and rarely disrupts learning.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, including mathematics, some teachers’ subject knowledge is not yet fully developed, meaning the curriculum is not always adapted to ensure every pupil is "sufficiently challenged".
- The early years curriculum has been developed in isolation and does not link carefully enough with Year 1, leaving some children with "gaps in their knowledge and understanding" when starting Year 1.
Safeguarding
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 | 40% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| 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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