Shirley Junior School
Southampton, SO15 5XE · Southampton · primary school
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29th of 45 primary schools in Southampton we can score, 55 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 3,537 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.2/10 among them, against 1.9/10 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 | 48.0 · 16 | 40% | 0.65 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Shirley Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 48.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 2.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.2 out of 10 among them, against 1.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Karate, Dance, Football, Netball, Cross Country, Dodge Ball, and Athletics clubs, with an after-school club available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 361 pupils against a stated capacity of 360. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific steps are taken to improve attainment in writing? How does the school manage the current over-capacity situation for new entrants?
What Ofsted said about Shirley Junior School
Overview
Shirley Junior School continues to be a good school, with leaders maintaining a strong focus on inclusion and pupil well-being. The curriculum is well-sequenced to help pupils remember challenging content, and staff effectively support those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. A love of reading is successfully promoted, and behaviour management creates a calm atmosphere for learning.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well-sequenced," helping pupils build a "strong understanding of complex information" year on year.
- Staff have a "good understanding of how to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities," making appropriate adaptations for inclusive learning.
- Pupils are enthusiastic about reading, with leaders having "carefully selected the books" to develop awareness of diversity and reading knowledge.
- Behaviour is managed effectively with a system understood by all, ensuring no one is "publicly shamed" and creating a "calm atmosphere."
- There is a "strong focus on pupil voice," with pupils encouraged to share opinions through ambassador roles and school values of respect, integrity, and kindness.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure all support staff have the necessary subject knowledge to deliver reading interventions consistently, as current variability means some pupils are not learning to read as quickly as they could.
- Leaders need to ensure all staff use agreed pedagogical approaches consistently, as the intended curriculum is not always implemented in line with expectations in a few subjects.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a clear system understood by staff who feel confident to report concerns and pupils who understand how to keep themselves safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 48% |
| 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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