Marden Vale CofE Academy
Calne, SN11 9BD · Wiltshire · primary school
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161st of 181 primary schools in Wiltshire we can score, 201 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 — 4.7/10 against 806 of them, against 3.2/10 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 | 48.0 · 16 | 40% | 0.65 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Marden Vale CofE Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 48.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 8.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school 'Requires improvement' in November 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join the Mini Police club, participate in Sports Day, and sing with iSingPop. Trips include visits to the Tower of London, Grittleton House, and Egg Theatre. A breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 146 pupils against a stated capacity of 266. 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 bridge the gap between the current 48.0% attainment and the national median of 64%? What specific actions are being taken to address the 'Requires improvement' rating from the 2023 inspection? How does the breakfast club integrate with the morning routine for families?
What Ofsted said about Marden Vale CofE Academy
Overview
The report states that the school is "aspirational" and that its recent actions are "beginning to make a difference in some subjects." However, it concludes that pupils "do not yet build their knowledge well enough across the whole curriculum" due to a lack of coherent design and sequencing.
Strengths
- Pupils are described as "happy" and "feel safe," with "positive" relationships between pupils and adults.
- Behaviour is rated as "Good," with older pupils working hard and staff intervening quickly to limit disruption.
- Adults support pupils with complex learning needs "effectively," and parents are "highly positive" about the care provided.
- Routines in Reception are "well established," helping children recognise letters and sounds from the start.
- Staff feel "well supported" by the school regarding workload and collaboration across the trust.
Areas to improve
- The trust must ensure the phonics programme is implemented effectively so all pupils read "fluently and confidently," addressing significant gaps in phonic knowledge.
- Subject leaders must check the effectiveness of their subjects to ensure pupils "build knowledge well and remember more."
- The trust needs to identify key knowledge in wider curriculum subjects and adapt learning to close gaps in pupils’ knowledge.
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 | 34% |
| 2023/24 | 42% |
| 2024/25 | 48% |
| 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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