Orchard Primary School
Sidcup, DA14 6LW · Bexley · primary school
Check the area around this school
43rd of 55 primary schools in Bexley we can score, 60 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 — 5.9/10 against 2,443 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 | 41% | 1.59 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.75 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 26% | 1.68 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Orchard 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%. A higher 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
An after-school club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 207 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Orchard Primary School
Overview
Pupils at Orchard Primary School are described as happy and safe, enjoying a positive school climate built on mutual respect. Leaders have successfully improved the quality of education, particularly in core subjects, leading to good progress for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The school has moved from a previous rating of ‘Requires improvement’ to ‘Good’ across all inspection categories.
Strengths
- Reading, writing, and mathematics are delivered consistently well, with staff providing clear feedback and extra help to ensure pupils catch up quickly.
- Mathematics is a particular strength, featuring an ambitious, well-sequenced programme that helps pupils become fluent in key concepts.
- The science curriculum is well planned, allowing pupils to build on previous knowledge and speak enthusiastically about their development as scientists.
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a strong culture, rigorous procedures, and regular staff training ensuring pupils feel safe.
- Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes to learning, behave well, and benefit from a broad range of activities, including workshops and trips.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must urgently identify missing curriculum components in subjects such as history, geography, art, and design technology.
- Staff require subject-specific training to ensure consistent delivery and that pupils can confidently know and remember more in these areas.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting a strong culture, rigorous procedures, and diligent pre-employment checks.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 54% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 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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