Horncastle Primary School
Horncastle, LN9 5EH · Lincolnshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
99th of 252 primary schools in Lincolnshire we can score, 279 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 — 5.8/10 against 1,735 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Horncastle 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%. For the higher standard, 11.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Lego, board games, reading, colouring, and puzzles clubs. The school also provides a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 417 pupils against a stated capacity of 630. 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 who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2024 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Horncastle Primary School
Overview
Horncastle Primary School is described as an “inclusive and welcoming school” where pupils “enjoy their learning” and feel safe. The report highlights a successful transformation under new leadership, noting that the school has introduced an “ambitious and inclusive curriculum” that carefully sequences knowledge to support all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- The curriculum is well-designed, with teachers helping pupils “make connections to current learning” and linking subjects, such as mathematics and history, to aid retention.
- Reading is a key priority; staff are “well-trained” and ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, “quickly become fluent readers” and develop a love of books.
- Personal development is strong, with pupils understanding the importance of respecting others and being “well prepared for life in modern Britain.”
- Early years provision is effective, with a “well planned” transition into Reception and an environment arranged to support learning from the first day.
- Staff are “proud to work at the school” and feel supported by leaders who hold them to account.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, teachers do not consistently check what pupils know, meaning some do not learn the intended curriculum as securely as they could.
- In a small number of lessons, pupils, including those with SEND, do not receive support appropriate to their needs, hindering their ability to build knowledge securely.
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 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 59% |
| 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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