Old Ford Primary - A Paradigm Academy
London, E3 5LD · Tower Hamlets · primary school
Check the area around this school
19th of 60 primary schools in Tower Hamlets we can score, 66 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 — 8.3/10 against 986 of them, against 6.5/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 16.0 · 85 | 25% | 2.13 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Old Ford Primary - A Paradigm Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 16.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in December 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 660 pupils against a stated capacity of 630. 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 manage class sizes when operating 30 pupils over its designated capacity? What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the higher standard in maths? How does the school maintain its Outstanding Ofsted rating while managing an over-capacity roll?
What Ofsted said about Old Ford Primary - A Paradigm Academy
Overview
Old Ford Primary - A Paradigm Academy is described as a school where “high quality permeates” every aspect of provision. Leaders and staff are “highly ambitious” for pupils, delivering a carefully considered curriculum that ensures children achieve “exceptionally well” and are successfully prepared for the next stage of their lives.
Strengths
- The curriculum is planned with “absolute clarity” about essential concepts, ensuring knowledge builds logically and is taught effectively across all subjects.
- Pupils behave “impeccably,” demonstrating high levels of politeness, courtesy, and respect for everyone in the school community.
- Early reading is taught “extremely well,” with children developing into fluent readers through structured phonics and matched books.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive the “same high-quality curriculum” as everyone else, with accurate identification and adapted support.
- Personal development is enhanced by a “wide range of outings, visiting speakers, clubs and after-school activities,” including visits to museums and West End shows.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with detailed record-keeping, well-trained staff, and strong systems to ensure vulnerable pupils receive timely support.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 69% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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