Longwood Primary Academy
Harlow, CM18 7RQ · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
142nd 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 — 8.0/10 against 1,680 of them, against 6.6/10 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 | 77.0 · 82 | 40% | 3.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Longwood Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 77.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 5.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 423 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
With the higher standard attainment at 5.0%, what specific support is provided to pupils aiming to exceed the expected standard? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while managing a roll that exceeds its designated places?
What Ofsted said about Longwood Primary Academy
Overview
Longwood Primary Academy continues to be a good school, offering a "warm, welcoming and inclusive" environment where pupils feel safe and valued. The report highlights an "ambitious curriculum" that provides rich life skills and strong early reading provision, supported by staff who have the "best interests of children at heart."
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy a "harmonious atmosphere" with "little bullying" and demonstrate good manners and respect for one another.
- The curriculum is "ambitious" and covers essential knowledge, including practical life skills such as navigating the London Underground and growing vegetables.
- Early reading is a strength, with staff teaching phonics effectively so children learn to read "quickly and with confidence."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "well supported" by staff and specialist teams, with personalised curriculums where needed.
- Staff are "considerate of their workload and well-being," contributing to a positive working environment.
Areas to improve
- School improvement planning is "not as sharp as it could be," with some priorities lacking specific guidance on how to address issues.
- Senior leaders’ monitoring activities are "generic" and lack sufficient focus on improvement priorities, limiting their ability to evaluate impact.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders and staff being "vigilant in keeping pupils safe" and receiving regular training to identify risks quickly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 76% |
| 2024/25 | 77% |
| 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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