Northdown Primary School
Margate, CT9 3RE · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
353rd of 425 primary schools in Kent we can score, 460 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 — 4.4/10 against 157 of them, against 2.3/10 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 | 41% | 0.91 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 33% | 1.71 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 26% | 0.62 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Northdown Primary 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%. The higher standard was reached by 2.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
A breakfast club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 302 pupils against a stated capacity of 427. 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 maths? What specific steps are taken to raise attainment towards the higher standard? How does the current inspection rating reflect recent changes in teaching practice?
What Ofsted said about Northdown Primary School
Overview
Northdown Primary School is described as a place where pupils feel ‘safe and well cared for’, characterised by a ‘calm’ and ‘happy’ atmosphere. The report highlights that the school has ‘improved significantly since the last inspection’, with leaders delivering a ‘high-quality education’ through an ‘ambitious curriculum’ and strong focus on reading.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate ‘kind’ behaviour and ‘positive attitudes to their learning’, resulting in lessons that are ‘rarely disrupted’.
- Reading is a clear priority, with ‘skilled staff’ using daily phonics sessions to ensure children are ‘well prepared to start Year 1’.
- Staff provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) through ‘carefully considered action plans’.
- Teachers in mathematics and science use their ‘subject expertise’ to help pupils ‘grasp new knowledge quickly’.
- Staff wellbeing is valued, with leaders being ‘thoughtful about staff workload’ and providing well-received training.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff are trained equally well to deliver all subjects, as teaching in history and religious education is ‘not quite as effective’ and explanations ‘sometimes lack clarity’.
- Leaders should continue efforts to reduce persistent absence, as ‘too many pupils are still persistently absent’ despite overall attendance improvements.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with staff receiving ‘well-designed training’ and leaders taking ‘decisive action’ when concerned about a child’s safety.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 49% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 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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