John Wood School & Nursery
Croydon, CR0 6JA · Croydon · primary school
Check the area around this school
70th of 77 primary schools in Croydon we can score, 87 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 2.1/10 against 2,388 of them, against 2.2/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 40% | 1.18 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
John Wood School & Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 310 pupils against a stated capacity of 484. 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 strategies are used to help children reach the higher standard in reading? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap in attainment?
What Ofsted said about John Wood School & Nursery
Overview
John Wood School & Nursery continues to be a good school, where pupils flourish due to staff having "high expectations" and a culture built on "kindness", "respect" and "ambition". The inspection confirms that pupils feel safe and happy, supported by exemplary behaviour and a curriculum that prioritises early reading and logical sequencing.
Strengths
- Pupils’ behaviour is described as "exemplary", with children feeling safe and confident in seeking support from adults.
- The early reading curriculum is "well structured", with staff trained to teach effectively and provide books matched to pupils’ phonics knowledge.
- A "logical and well-sequenced curriculum" ensures pupils build on previous learning, particularly in mathematics and history.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified early and "achieve well" alongside their peers.
- Pupils’ wider development is a strength, including learning about diversity, healthy relationships, and community contribution.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, checking what pupils know and remember is "not as effective as it could be", leading to gaps in learning and difficulty recalling key knowledge.
- The school needs to ensure pupils retain and recall essential skills and vocabulary to apply this learning to current and future studies.
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 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 45% |
| 2024/25 | 56% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of CR0 6JA, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT