Lawford Mead Primary & Nursery
Chelmsford, CM1 2JH · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
173rd 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 — 7.0/10 against 1,900 of them, against 5.8/10 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 | 61.0 · 41 | 40% | 1.65 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.09 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Lawford Mead Primary & Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 61.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 15.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join multisports clubs and attend day camps. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 413 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 day camps? How are places allocated if demand exceeds the 7 currently available spots?
What Ofsted said about Lawford Mead Primary & Nursery
Overview
Lawford Mead Primary & Nursery has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection. The report describes a school where pupils embody ‘we are proud’ values, displaying ‘highly positive behaviour’ and a ‘real passion for their learning’. Leaders have successfully revised the curriculum to ensure ambition and breadth, resulting in many pupils achieving well and feeling safe and happy.
Strengths
- The curriculum is carefully ordered to help pupils build knowledge over time, with staff routinely checking learning to ensure retention and application.
- Early years provision is strong, with ‘expertly trained staff’ delivering interactive phonics sessions that help most pupils become ‘fluent and confident readers’.
- Staff know children ‘exceptionally well’ and provide appropriate support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- The school offers extensive opportunities for wider development, including leadership roles, diverse cultural experiences, and inclusive clubs.
- Staff value subject-specific training and system changes that reduce workload, while leaders and the trust provide detailed oversight.
Areas to improve
- The school must address high rates of persistent absence for some disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, who are ‘not fully benefiting from all that school has to offer’.
- Leaders should consider additional strategies and support for families to improve attendance, ensuring all pupils attend regularly.
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 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 61% |
| 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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