Palfrey Junior School
Walsall, WS1 4AH · Walsall · primary school
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53rd of 60 primary schools in Walsall we can score, 85 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 — 4.5/10 against 1,099 of them, against 3.4/10 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 | 49.0 · 17 | 40% | 0.69 |
| Ofsted | 7 | 35% | 0.26 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Palfrey Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 49.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 9.0% against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.4 out of 10 against all schools). The most recent inspection was in March 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the School Council, Digital Leaders, A* Stars, and Children's University, with an after-school club also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 359 pupils against a stated capacity of 360. 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 new inspection framework affect current teaching priorities? What support is available for pupils who have not reached the expected standard?
What Ofsted said about Palfrey Junior School
Overview
Pupils at Palfrey Junior School are described as "safe, well cared for and respected," enjoying a "calm, orderly and respectful environment." The school delivers an "ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum" with effective teaching, though reading outcomes at the end of key stage 2 remain below national averages.
Strengths
- Leaders have established a "welcoming and inclusive culture" where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging.
- Attendance is "just above the national average" and persistent absence is "well below national levels."
- Staff build "warm and supportive relationships" with pupils, helping them feel "known, valued and safe."
- The curriculum is "engaging, well sequenced and taught effectively," with staff identifying barriers early.
- Governors and leaders work closely to "challenge and support" improvements, ensuring resources benefit vulnerable pupils.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should develop a "consistent whole-school approach to spoken language" to boost pupil confidence and vocabulary.
- Leaders must strengthen the reading curriculum to ensure outcomes for all groups "reflect national averages."
- Strategies supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities to attend school "as regularly as other pupil groups" need strengthening.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 48% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 49% |
| 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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