Lift Plumberow
Hockley, SS5 5BX · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
53rd 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 the 3,194 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.7/10 among them, against 8.4/10 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 | 79.0 · 86 | 40% | 3.43 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Lift Plumberow overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 79.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 14.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.7 out of 10 among them, against 8.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 633 pupils against a stated capacity of 650. 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 to move from the expected standard to the higher standard? What specific activities are available in the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about Lift Plumberow
Overview
Plumberow Primary Academy continues to be a good school, where "ambition and nurture are at the heart" of provision. The inspection confirms that pupils thrive in a safe, respectful environment with high aspirations, though consistency in curriculum planning across all subjects requires further refinement.
Strengths
- Behaviour is described as "exemplary," with pupils being "motivated to work hard" and maintaining "harmonious relationships."
- There is a "positive reading culture," featuring precise phonics delivery and well-stocked classroom book corners.
- The curriculum in subjects like history and mathematics is "ambitious" and builds logically, with clear foundations established in Reception.
- The school is "very inclusive," ensuring pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) play a "full part in school life."
- Pupils feel "valued and safe," engaging enthusiastically in a wide range of extra-curricular activities and leadership roles.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, the most important knowledge is not set out in detail, leading to unclear teaching priorities and unchecked misconceptions.
- Teachers’ checking of pupils’ understanding is not always precise, resulting in mistakes not being picked up.
- The school must ensure every subject sets out exactly what key concepts and skills are to be prioritised.
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 | 78% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 79% |
| 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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