Shalford Primary School
Braintree, CM7 5EZ · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
26th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 9.9/10 against 2,959 of them, against 9.7/10 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 | 87.0 · 96 | 40% | 3.82 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 47.0 · 100 | 25% | 2.50 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Shalford Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 87.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 47.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.7 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2025.
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 73 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the recent inspection?
What Ofsted said about Shalford Primary School
Overview
Shalford Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils describe the environment as a ‘welcoming and friendly school’ where they feel safe and enjoy their learning. The report confirms that most pupils achieve well and benefit from a well-designed curriculum, particularly in reading.
Strengths
- Pupils are ‘confident, independent, and inquisitive learners’ who enjoy activities such as writing stories and educational trips.
- Reading instruction is highly effective, with staff skilfully supporting children to decode unfamiliar words and build vocabulary.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is ‘strong’, with needs quickly identified and closely monitored.
- Staff feel valued in a ‘friendly, family school’ where leaders prioritise their well-being.
- Pupils develop a strong understanding of equality and respect through learning about democracy, festivals, and Black History Month.
Areas to improve
- Staff do not consistently support pupils to resolve weaknesses in spelling, punctuation, and grammar across the wider curriculum, affecting the quality of written work.
- In a few subjects, staff lack the necessary subject knowledge to deliver the ambitious curriculum effectively, resulting in less secure pupil learning.
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) |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 87% |
| 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 CM7 5EZ, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT