Katherines Primary Academy and Nursery
Harlow, CM19 5NJ · Essex · primary school
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222nd 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 — 7.8/10 against 2,515 of them, against 6.7/10 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 | 73.0 · 73 | 40% | 2.93 |
| Ofsted | 12 | 35% | 0.40 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Katherines Primary Academy and Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 73.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 8.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.7 out of 10 against all schools). The March 2026 Ofsted inspection used the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 234 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 new Ofsted framework affect daily teaching priorities? What support is available for pupils who are not yet meeting the expected standard? How does the nursery phase transition into Year 1?
What Ofsted said about Katherines Primary Academy and Nursery
Overview
Katherines Primary Academy and Nursery is described as a "happy and nurturing school" where pupils find learning "enjoyable and engaging." The report highlights that pupils are "well prepared for the next stage of their education," with disadvantaged pupils achieving as well as their non-disadvantaged peers. Leaders demonstrate a "robust commitment to maintaining high expectations," supported by effective governance and strong community relationships.
Strengths
- Early years provision is of a "Strong standard," with staff engaging in "high-quality interactions" that effectively develop children's language and confidence.
- Pupils behave well, showing "kindness and respect," while bullying incidents remain "very low" due to staff addressing issues "straight away."
- The curriculum is "broad, ambitious and personalised," with a clear focus on vocabulary and oracy that helps pupils secure foundational skills in reading, writing, and maths.
- Attendance is supported by "clear messages" and recognition activities, resulting in pupils attending school regularly and feeling a "secure sense of belonging."
- Inclusion is effective, with leaders using "clear systems" to identify needs and ensure disadvantaged pupils are fully included in all activities.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure teachers "check pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skill development consistently across subjects" before moving on to new learning, as checks are "not as thorough as they could be" in some areas.
- Leaders should continue to ensure pupils are "ready to learn," addressing instances where some pupils "lose focus" and do not work with the effort needed to meet expectations.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns being "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 73% |
| 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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