John Ray Junior School
Braintree, CM7 1HL · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
232nd 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 2,356 of them, against 4.4/10 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 | 62.0 · 44 | 40% | 1.74 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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 Ray Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Bike Ability club, with both breakfast and after-school clubs available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 439 pupils against a stated capacity of 432. 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
What specific support is provided for pupils who have not reached the expected standard in maths? How is the Bike Ability club structured for different age groups?
What Ofsted said about John Ray Junior School
Overview
John Ray Junior School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The report describes a "kind and welcoming school" where pupils enjoy coming to school and attend regularly. Staff set high expectations, ensuring pupils feel safe, respected, and eager to learn.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well in most subjects due to a curriculum that sets "high aspirations and expectations" and helps them make meaningful connections between subjects.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a strength, with staff adapting teaching skilfully to enable success.
- Early readers receive effective support, quickly developing "fluency, accuracy and confidence when reading."
- A "rich array of experiences," including live music, theatre, and sporting activities, broadens pupils’ horizons and develops their talents.
- Pupils take on "meaningful leadership roles," such as playground buddies and well-being counsellors, fostering a sense of purpose and pride.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, teachers do not help pupils deepen their understanding of complex knowledge, slowing progress through the curriculum. The school should ensure teachers help pupils develop this understanding across all subjects.
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 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 56% |
| 2024/25 | 62% |
| 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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