Pakefield Primary School
Lowestoft, NR33 7AQ · Suffolk · primary school
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161st of 232 primary schools in Suffolk we can score, 253 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 4.6/10 against 3,750 of them, against 4.8/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| Ofsted | 6 | 35% | 0.19 |
| 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.
Pakefield Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.8 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in February 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
A breakfast club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 274 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 near the expected standard to reach the higher standard? What specific areas did the February 2026 inspection highlight for development? How does the breakfast club integrate with the morning routine?
What Ofsted said about Pakefield Primary School
Overview
Pakefield Primary School is a calm environment where pupils are happy, attend well, and feel safe. While early years provision and attendance are strong, the quality of teaching and curriculum consistency varies across the school, impacting some pupils' achievement. Leaders are actively working to improve standards following recent changes in leadership.
Strengths
- Attendance is high, with leaders working closely with families to remove barriers, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.
- The school is a calm, positive place where pupils follow consistent routines and behave respectfully.
- Early years provision is well considered, with a clear focus on developing speaking, reading, and writing skills.
- Reading is taught effectively, with most pupils passing the Year 1 phonics check and enjoying high-quality books.
- Personal development is supported by a well-sequenced curriculum and opportunities for pupil leadership roles.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should develop staff expertise in teaching writing to ensure consistent accuracy and quality in pupils' written work.
- Staff must improve how they check pupils' knowledge and understanding to quickly identify and fill gaps in learning.
- Leaders should ensure support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is closely matched to their individual needs.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed to keep pupils safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 61% |
| 2023/24 | 59% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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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