Potter Street Academy
Harlow, CM17 9EU · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
110th 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 — 8.5/10 against 2,194 of them, against 7.2/10 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 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Potter Street Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 13.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join football and netball teams, or take part in drumming, guitar, keyboard and singing. A Year 6 residential visit is offered. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 202 pupils against a stated capacity of 251. 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 not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for a child attending the after-school club? How does the school prepare Year 6 pupils for their residential visit?
What Ofsted said about Potter Street Academy
Overview
Potter Street Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school provides an ambitious education where pupils feel safe, happy, and proud of their community. Leaders and staff are supported, and the curriculum is designed to help pupils build complex knowledge and succeed regardless of their circumstances.
Strengths
- Pupils settle quickly and feel welcomed, with staff listening to their worries and helping them use the ‘five ways of well-being’.
- The curriculum has been refined to identify important knowledge, helping pupils build increasingly complex understanding in subjects like English and mathematics.
- Most pupils attain expected standards in national assessments, with gaps in learning swiftly addressed through timely interventions and revisiting prior learning.
- Children get off to a ‘flying start’ in Reception, supported by staff who build warm, trusting relationships and understand early childhood development.
- The school provides effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) through enhanced provision and catch-up sessions.
Areas to improve
- Recent changes to the curriculum and assessment methods are not yet fully established, meaning teaching does not always deepen pupils’ understanding.
- Opportunities to deepen learning are not consistent across the school; the school should ensure all pupils have consistent opportunities to deepen their learning when ready.
Safeguarding
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 | 69% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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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