River Mead School
Melksham, SN12 7ED · Wiltshire · primary school
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163rd of 181 primary schools in Wiltshire we can score, 201 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 — 2.5/10 against 1,463 of them, against 2.1/10 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 | 38.0 · 7 | 62% | 0.41 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 38% | 1.72 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
River Mead School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 38% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6% of pupils, 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 (2.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 261 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
What specific support is available for pupils who have not reached the expected standard in maths? How does the school ensure that the breakfast and after-school clubs remain accessible to all families?
What Ofsted said about River Mead School
Overview
River Mead School is described as a “very special place” where the team goes “above and beyond to support pupils to flourish.” Leaders demonstrate “exceptional” drive, resulting in high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils. The school fosters a community where pupils are “happy, safe and well behaved” and feel “very well looked after.”
Strengths
- Leaders provide “exceptional” support, with “extremely successful” provision for disadvantaged pupils and effective use of additional funding.
- The curriculum is clearly structured, with a “keen focus on language and communication” in the nursery that prepares children well for later learning.
- Early reading is a strength, with staff providing “high-quality support” as experts in teaching young pupils to read and spell.
- Pupils behave “extremely well in lessons,” listening carefully and engaging with activities, while personal development is “threaded through all aspects of the school.”
- Staff workload is managed well, and they receive effective training to deliver the curriculum.
Areas to improve
- Behaviour expectations are not as high outside of lessons; pupils “do not behave as well at social times” as they do in class.
- Some older pupils with SEND have not received the expert help needed to build their phonics knowledge securely, affecting their reading and writing.
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 | 28% |
| 2023/24 | 41% |
| 2024/25 | 38% |
| 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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