Lift Hamford
Walton on the Naze, CO14 8TE · Essex · primary school
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305th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 2.7/10 against 2,314 of them, against 2.6/10 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 | 55.0 · 27 | 40% | 1.10 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Lift Hamford overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 2.0% of pupils, 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 (2.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a computing club, play football, or take part in dance. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 393 pupils against a stated capacity of 280. 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 manage class sizes when operating significantly above its designated capacity? What specific support is available for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard in maths? How does the school integrate the computing club into the wider curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Lift Hamford
Overview
Hamford Primary Academy is described as a "calm, safe and orderly place" where pupils enjoy school life and behave well. Leaders have "reinvigorated the school curriculum" and improved attendance, resulting in a positive environment where bullying is effectively managed and pupils feel supported.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "ambitious" and "well planned" in most subjects, with knowledge laid out in a "logical order" to support progression.
- Pupils are "confident, fluent readers" thanks to a strong reading curriculum and early phonics instruction.
- Staff accurately identify special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring pupils in 'The Ark' and across the school are "well supported".
- Safeguarding arrangements are "effective", with a culture of "it could happen here" and prompt responses to concerns.
- Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education helps pupils develop a "good understanding" of diversity and safety.
Areas to improve
- Some curriculum plans require further refinement to ensure knowledge is "well sequenced" and detailed enough for consistent pupil recall.
- Leaders must ensure all teachers receive adequate training to use improved curriculum plans effectively, as some tasks currently do not help pupils "understand and remember new knowledge".
- Leaders need to work more closely with parents to address persistent absence among a small number of pupils, including those with SEND.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting that staff know how to spot risks, record concerns promptly, and maintain detailed records.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 74% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 55% |
| 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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