John Donne Church of England Primary School
Bedford, MK44 3NL · Central Bedfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
30th of 36 primary schools in Central Bedfordshire we can score, 95 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 3,909 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.0/10 among them, against 1.9/10 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 | 29.0 · 2 | 40% | 0.10 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
John Donne Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 29.0% 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 6.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.0 out of 10 among them, against 1.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 119 pupils against a stated capacity of 208. 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 the 2024 inspection rating "Requires improvement," what specific actions have been taken since then to improve teaching quality? How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in core subjects? What are the current entry criteria for the next academic year?
What Ofsted said about John Donne Church of England Primary School
Overview
The report describes a "friendly and positive environment" where pupils feel safe and enjoy school. While leadership has stabilised and there is a "clear vision," the school is rated as requiring improvement across all key judgement areas due to inconsistencies in behaviour management and curriculum delivery.
Strengths
- Pupils feel safe, enjoy coming to school, and speak positively about staff who "take care of them."
- Reading is prioritised effectively, with phonics taught well and books "matched accurately to their reading ability."
- Staff are working more effectively to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with "more accurate" identification of need.
- Governors have the expertise to "support and challenge leaders effectively," ensuring positive changes are made.
- Parents are "positive and supportive," particularly valuing recent improvements in communication.
Areas to improve
- The curriculum is new in some subjects, leading to "gaps in pupils’ knowledge" and inconsistent understanding because teachers do not always address misconceptions.
- The new behaviour policy is "not being applied consistently," with low-level behaviours impacting learning not always being addressed.
- Pupils have "limited opportunities" outside the curriculum to develop their talents and interests through clubs and activities.
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 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 42% |
| 2024/25 | 29% |
| 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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