Holmbush Primary Academy
Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 6TN · West Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
137th 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,063 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.6/10 among them, against 2.6/10 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 | 43.0 · 11 | 40% | 0.42 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Holmbush Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 43.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.6 out of 10 among them, against 2.6 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 222 pupils against a stated capacity of 226. 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
With 43.0% meeting expected standards against a 64% national median, what specific interventions are in place for pupils who are not reaching these benchmarks? How does the school support the transition from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 for children who need additional help? What does a typical day look like for a pupil who joins mid-year?
What Ofsted said about Holmbush Primary Academy
Overview
Holmbush Primary Academy continues to be a good school, described as "highly aspirational and inclusive" where pupils are "polite, respectful and kind." The report highlights a "welcoming community" with strong support for emotional well-being and effective leadership that ensures everyone feels "safe and highly included."
Strengths
- Reading is a top priority, with staff using "effective strategies" and "well-matched books" to help pupils become "fluent and confident readers."
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a strength, ensuring "nobody is left behind" through adapted teaching.
- The curriculum is "ambitious, broad and planned with precise knowledge and skills," with clear progression mapped from Nursery to Year 6.
- Attendance is higher than national averages, supported by "impressive efforts" such as a popular breakfast club for disadvantaged pupils.
- Writing standards have improved significantly, with pupils now writing with "accuracy, creativity and flair" following targeted support.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure lesson activities are "precisely designed" to help pupils securely learn key content, as some current tasks "lack precision" and do not consistently support learning.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective" and statutory duties are met with "high diligence."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 40% |
| 2023/24 | 62% |
| 2024/25 | 43% |
| 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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