Marlborough Primary Academy
Plymouth, PL1 4NJ · Plymouth · primary school
Check the area around this school
35th of 66 primary schools in Plymouth we can score, 69 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 — 5.2/10 against 1,353 of them, against 4.0/10 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 40% | 1.18 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
Marlborough Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% 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 Good in December 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 103 pupils against a stated capacity of 244. 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 56.0% expected standard and the national median? What specific activities take place during the breakfast and after-school clubs? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating in the year following the inspection?
What Ofsted said about Marlborough Primary Academy
Overview
Marlborough Primary Academy is described as a “welcoming and inclusive school” where pupils “enjoy their time” and form positive relationships with staff. The report highlights a strong sense of community, noting that pupils are “resilient when faced with challenges” and benefit from a “well-planned and sequenced curriculum.” Overall, the school provides a high-quality education with effective leadership and personal development opportunities.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “broad and balanced,” with staff demonstrating “secure knowledge” of subjects and effective teaching methods.
- Reading is central to provision; pupils engage with “rich and diverse texts” and receive timely support through a phonics programme, ensuring they “learn to read well.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported, with specific provision ensuring they “make progress through the curriculum.”
- Personal development is thorough, covering online safety, health, and cultural awareness, while pupils “widen their horizons” through trips and career visits.
- Attendance has improved due to careful analysis of barriers and effective collaboration with families.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure assessment is used effectively to check what pupils know and remember, so teaching can remedy “gaps or misconceptions” in knowledge.
- The school should ensure all staff implement the behaviour policy consistently to reduce instances of “low-level disruption” and “silly behaviour” among a minority of pupils.
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 | 38% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 56% |
| 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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