Ongar Primary School
Ongar, CM5 0FF · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
169th of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 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 — 7.1/10 against 2,358 of them, against 6.0/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ongar Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 158 pupils against a stated capacity of 175. 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 not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating in the coming years?
What Ofsted said about Ongar Primary School
Overview
Ongar Primary School continues to be a good school, characterised by a "patient, welcoming feel" and a strong commitment to pupils’ rights to safety, respect, and learning. Leaders have overseen consistent improvement, fostering a supportive environment where staff feel valued and pupils achieve well both academically and personally.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from outdoor learning opportunities that allow for ‘risky’ play, such as building dens and climbing trees, which they highlight as a key strength.
- The school employs a "systematic approach to the teaching of reading," ensuring staff are well-versed in phonics and helping weaker readers gain confidence through accessible books.
- High-quality curriculum packages provide "clearly sequenced lessons" and online training, giving staff the confidence to teach concepts correctly and meet diverse learning needs.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive "kind, patient support," including tailored adjustments like electronic devices to rewatch explanations, fostering independence.
- Behaviour and attendance are improving, supported by a broad programme of extra-curricular clubs and experiences like the ‘10 Promises’ trips.
Areas to improve
- Occasionally, instructions lack clarity, leading to misunderstandings about conduct or learning expectations that are "not put right quickly enough."
- The trust and school must provide training to ensure all pupils receive clear explanations that help them learn new content "efficiently and securely."
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 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 73% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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