Sandling Primary School
Maidstone, ME14 2JG · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
159th 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,133 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.9/10 among them, against 6.0/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 62% | 3.50 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 38% | 2.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sandling Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A further 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.9 out of 10 among them, against 6.0 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 421 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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
Since the similar-intake comparison shows a lower score than the national average, what specific support is provided to help pupils reach the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Sandling Primary School
Overview
Sandling Primary School provides a "rich and broad learning experience" where pupils feel "safe, valued and listened to." The report highlights a "highly ambitious" curriculum and strong pastoral care, noting that pupils demonstrate a "strong sense of equality and justice" and behave very well.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well-considered" with learning broken into "detailed small steps," helping all pupils, including those with SEND, to "achieve well."
- Staff possess subject expertise and use effective strategies to check understanding, ensuring pupils are "only moved on to new learning when they are ready."
- Reading is prioritised through "expert phonics teaching," resulting in pupils who "read with confidence and increasing independence."
- Pupils enjoy "well-considered enrichment opportunities," including weekly outdoor learning that supports resilience and problem-solving.
- Leaders are "relentlessly ambitious" for pupils while remaining "considerate of staff well-being and workload."
Areas to improve
- In Reception, mathematics teaching is "less secure" than other areas, sometimes focusing on "task completion rather than mathematical concepts."
- The school should ensure early years teaching enables children to "explore mathematical concepts" to build "sufficiently strong foundations for future mathematics learning."
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 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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