Parkwood Academy
Chelmsford, CM1 2DX · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
333rd 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 — 5.7/10 against 1,448 of them, against 4.4/10 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 | 66.0 · 54 | 40% | 2.16 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Parkwood Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 196 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 to move from the expected to the higher standard in maths? What specific actions are being taken to address the "Requires improvement" rating from the 2024 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Parkwood Academy
Overview
The report states that pupils are “happy, confident and caring” and that “adults are the best thing” in the school, with good behaviour and personal development. However, the overall effectiveness requires improvement because recent changes to address staffing turbulence and curriculum gaps have “not yet had the desired impact.” Leaders are beginning to improve the quality of education, but many initiatives remain new or not fully embedded.
Strengths
- Pupils report that “everyone’s opinion is valued” and feel safe, with staff described as kind and supportive.
- Behaviour is good, with most pupils playing well together and a “thoughtful” approach to supporting vulnerable pupils’ attendance.
- The early reading programme is being delivered “far more effectively” following the rigorous establishment of a chosen phonics programme.
- Personal development is prioritised, with pupils learning about values like democracy and benefiting from nurture programmes.
- Staff are generally positive about their well-being and the school’s work, despite some concerns about the rate of change.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure provision is “precisely implemented” so pupils with gaps in reading and writing catch up with peers.
- Leaders need to ensure staff have a “secure understanding” of the curriculum in all subjects and monitor delivery effectively.
- Trustees must clarify governance roles and hold leaders to account for the quality of education rather than relying solely on financial management.
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 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 37% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| 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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