South Malling CofE Primary and Nursery School
Lewes, BN7 2HS · East Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
80th of 130 primary schools in East Sussex we can score, 144 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 3,899 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.3/10 among them, against 3.9/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 62% | 3.50 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
South Malling CofE Primary and Nursery 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%. However, 0.0% 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 3.2 out of 10 among them, against 3.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the choir, dance, or music lessons, and participate in netball, football, athletics, cross country, and the Daily Mile. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 230 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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 curriculum support pupils aiming for the higher standard in maths? What specific support is available for children joining the nursery phase?
What Ofsted said about South Malling CofE Primary and Nursery School
Overview
This is a school where "everyone is valued, cared for and respected," fostering highly positive relationships between staff and pupils. The inspection found that the school provides a "broad, progressive and well structured" curriculum with a strong focus on early reading and oracy. Leaders and governors are engaged, creating a supportive environment where staff feel valued and pupils are encouraged to be responsible citizens.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "carefully sequenced" to build knowledge, with a "sharp focus on oracy and vocabulary" enabling pupils to communicate confidently.
- Phonics and reading are "well established," with teachers acting as "experts in early reading" who quickly identify and support those falling behind.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "access the same opportunities as their peers" and achieve well due to effective adaptations.
- There is a "culture of positive behaviour" supported by consistent staff approaches that help pupils reflect on their actions and make "well-considered choices."
- Personal development is strong, with pupils taking on leadership roles and engaging in community projects like the ‘Dodge the Smog’ initiative.
Areas to improve
- Some staff lack confidence in implementing the writing curriculum, meaning some pupils do not have a "secure understanding of grammar, punctuation or spelling."
- A minority of vulnerable pupils, particularly disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, "do not attend school as much as they should," missing important 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 | 51% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 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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