Mendham Primary School
Harleston, IP20 0NJ · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
92nd of 232 primary schools in Suffolk we can score, 253 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 — 6.1/10 against 2,170 of them, against 4.9/10 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.56 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Mendham Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 10.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in swimming, visit Pleasurewood Hills and Bewilderwood, and can join breakfast and after-school clubs.
Getting in
The published school roll is 57 pupils against a stated capacity of 80. 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 fall below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2024 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Mendham Primary School
Overview
Mendham Primary School continues to be a good school, providing a friendly environment where pupils feel safe and behave respectfully. The curriculum is clearly structured, allowing knowledge to build over time, while effective teaching and assessment ensure pupils learn well. Leaders maintain high ambitions for pupils, supported by a rich extra-curricular offer and strong trust oversight.
Strengths
- The curriculum is clearly set out, ensuring teachers know what to teach and when, helping pupils build on existing knowledge from the early years through to Year 6.
- Teachers use curriculum documentation effectively and adapt lessons based on assessments, resulting in pupils learning well.
- The school has a strong understanding of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), implementing effective strategies and working with external agencies to support them.
- A new phonics approach, introduced this academic year, ensures staff are trained and reading books match pupils’ known sounds, helping them develop confidence.
- Attendance has improved significantly due to effective analysis of patterns and timely action when rates fall.
Areas to improve
- Adults must consistently expect pupils to work with concentration, focus, and accuracy, as occasional lack of precision in teaching new skills allows pupils to become distracted and slows learning.
Safeguarding
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 | 44% |
| 2023/24 | 78% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| 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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