Purford Green Primary School
Harlow, CM18 6HP · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
90th 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 — 8.6/10 against 2,740 of them, against 7.7/10 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 | 72.0 · 71 | 40% | 2.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 17.0 · 87 | 25% | 2.18 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Purford Green Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 72.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 17.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in African Drumming workshops, a Year 6 residential visit, and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 229 pupils against a stated capacity of 234. 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 do the African Drumming workshops fit into the weekly timetable? What does the Year 6 residential visit involve for parents?
What Ofsted said about Purford Green Primary School
Overview
Purford Green Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The report describes the school as a "welcoming, happy and inclusive" environment where staff prioritise pupils' needs and well-being. Inspectors found that the school continues to provide a high-quality education with strong leadership and supportive staff.
Strengths
- The school promotes pupils' mental health effectively, with a "harmonious and caring enveloping culture of wellness" and initiatives like well-being ambassadors.
- Staff deliver phonics and writing programmes effectively, ensuring pupils become "confident and fluent readers" and improve in presentation and complexity.
- Pupils are "very well prepared for life beyond school" through a diverse programme of life experiences, clubs, and character strength development.
- The school makes "particularly effective use of staff to support pupils with special educational needs/and or disabilities (SEND)" within mainstream classes.
- Early years provision is strong, with children settling quickly and benefiting from "carefully designed approaches to helping pupils learn."
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure the curriculum challenges all pupils, as some resources and delivery do not stretch high achievers sufficiently, meaning "some pupils do not achieve the high standards they are capable of."
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 | 64% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 72% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of CM18 6HP, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT