Merdon Junior School
Eastleigh, SO53 1EJ · Hampshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
206th of 300 primary schools in Hampshire we can score, 420 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 the 4,194 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4/10 among them, against 3.9/10 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 | 52.0 · 22 | 62% | 1.36 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 38% | 2.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Merdon Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 52.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 10.0%, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4 out of 10 among them, against 3.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in inter-house competitions, Sports Day, year group sporting festivals, and external sporting events. The school also provides a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 221 pupils against a stated capacity of 256. 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 below the expected standard in literacy? What specific activities take place during the breakfast and after-school clubs? How are inter-house competitions structured to ensure all year groups participate?
What Ofsted said about Merdon Junior School
Overview
Merdon Junior School is “emerging from a period of leadership turbulence” but has stabilised under new interim leaders. Pupils are described as “thriving in a culture of raised expectations,” demonstrating maturity and a love for learning. The report highlights a positive ethos where pupils feel safe and are well-prepared for the next stage of education.
Strengths
- Pupils “achieve well” across the curriculum, showing they can “think deeply and make connections across subjects.”
- Staff implement the curriculum “expertly,” using consistent approaches to help pupils “deepen knowledge over time” and recall learning confidently.
- Reading provision is strong; staff routinely check fluency and ensure early readers “learn to read accurately and catch up well.”
- Behaviour is good, with pupils applying the school’s “three golden rules” consistently to remain “safe, kind and respectful.”
- Disadvantaged pupils “achieve equally well” and have access to a “broad selection of opportunities” to develop their talents.
Areas to improve
- The personal development programme is “not fully embedded,” leaving pupils “sometimes unclear about important content.”
- The school must ensure this programme is “implemented securely” so all pupils gain a “deep understanding that prepares them fully for life in modern Britain.”
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 | 59% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 52% |
| 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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