Malcolm Arnold Preparatory School
Northampton, NN2 6JW · West Northamptonshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
28th of 138 primary schools in West Northamptonshire we can score, 147 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 — 8.8/10 against 3,727 of them, against 8.2/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 18.0 · 89 | 25% | 2.23 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Malcolm Arnold Preparatory School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 18.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the debating club and participate in hockey, rugby, football, netball, athletics, dance, gymnastics, boccia, lacrosse, and cross country. The school also offers outward bound activities and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 401 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 not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the outward bound trips? How is the after-school club structured for different year groups?
What Ofsted said about Malcolm Arnold Preparatory School
Overview
Malcolm Arnold Preparatory School continues to be a good school, described as a friendly environment where pupils feel happy and safe. The report highlights a calm, purposeful learning atmosphere underpinned by the vision of ‘Love yourself, love others, love the world,’ with leaders actively managing recent changes within the school community.
Strengths
- Leaders have developed a strong curriculum that ensures pupils build knowledge over time, with most remembering what they have learned.
- Teachers possess good subject knowledge and use skilled questioning and high-quality interactions to reinforce key vocabulary.
- Reading is prioritised, with staff teaching phonics consistently well and intervening quickly when pupils fall behind.
- Pupils enjoy a wide range of clubs and activities, including music, crochet, and sporting events.
- Staff receive ongoing safeguarding training, and concerns are reported promptly with rapid action taken.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure all pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive consistent curriculum adaptations and precise targets to access the full curriculum.
- Leaders should improve communication with parents, particularly those of pupils with SEND, to address concerns about how well the school engages with families.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture where staff are aware of their responsibilities and work closely with external agencies to keep pupils safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 74% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of NN2 6JW, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT