Holly Trees Primary School
Brentwood, CM14 5RY · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
216th of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 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 — 5.2/10 against 2,851 of them, against 4.7/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Holly Trees Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 5.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 417 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 curriculum support pupils who are working towards the higher standard in maths? What specific support is available for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard in reading?
What Ofsted said about Holly Trees Primary School
Overview
Holly Trees Primary School continues to be a good school, offering a "happy, caring school community" where pupils are motivated and well-supported. Leaders have designed an "ambitious" curriculum that builds knowledge step-by-step, ensuring pupils are well prepared for future learning. The school provides effective support for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, within a safe and respectful environment.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy a wide range of learning experiences, including clubs, trips, and a choir that performs at London’s O2 arena.
- Teachers deliver the curriculum confidently with strong subject knowledge, explaining concepts clearly and using vocabulary to deepen understanding.
- The reading curriculum is "well thought out," with a new phonics scheme ensuring pupils become fluent readers and quickly catch up if they fall behind.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities have their needs identified quickly and are "well supported to access the full curriculum."
- Behaviour is excellent, with bullying being "rare and quickly dealt with," and pupils knowing how to stay safe and who to speak to.
Areas to improve
- Leaders need to support teachers in delivering recently updated curriculum content in a few foundation subjects, as pupils do not yet have the detailed knowledge intended.
- Leaders should ensure they check regularly enough what pupils have remembered in foundation subjects to demonstrate how well they are retaining knowledge.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and leaders maintaining a rigorous reporting system to deal with concerns appropriately.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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