Palm Bay Primary School
Margate, CT9 3PP · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
341st of 425 primary schools in Kent we can score, 460 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 — 3.7/10 against 2,592 of them, against 3.4/10 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 62% | 2.26 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 38% | 1.13 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Palm Bay Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (3.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join YALs, ceramics, arts and crafts, and swimming. They participate in The Big Draw and fairs, visit the Forest/Beach School, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 407 pupils against a stated capacity of 428. 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 are included in the Forest/Beach School trip? How does the after-school club operate on days when the school is full?
What Ofsted said about Palm Bay Primary School
Overview
Pupils achieve well in this “happy, busy and friendly school” where high expectations drive strong behaviour and academic progress. The school makes an “exceptionally strong contribution to pupils’ personal development and well-being,” particularly through its use of local resources and inclusive culture. While most aspects of provision are rated Good, personal development is judged Outstanding.
Strengths
- Pupils are “increasingly well prepared for the next stage of their education” due to clear curriculum design and knowledgeable staff.
- The school prioritises mental health, ensuring pupils “know who to speak to if they are worried about something.”
- Phonics is taught “consistently well,” with effective support ensuring “no one is left behind.”
- SEND pupils “benefit from high-quality support and learn well,” with needs identified accurately.
- A “high-quality art and design curriculum” makes a strong contribution to cultural development.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, pupils are “less secure in applying” knowledge to explain ideas or interpret information; the school must refine curriculum design to balance knowledge and skills.
- Some pupils are “absent from school too often without good reason,” causing them to miss important learning; the school must maintain its focus on promoting regular attendance.
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 | 48% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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