South Petherton Junior School
South Petherton, TA13 5AG · Somerset · primary school
Check the area around this school
62nd of 156 primary schools in Somerset we can score, 219 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 — 5.3/10 against 3,004 of them, against 4.9/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 62% | 3.18 |
| 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.
South Petherton Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 6.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Fun Club or Ballet, play football, netball, or swimming, and enter the Ilminster Children’s Art Exhibition. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 156 pupils against a stated capacity of 148. 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 do not reach the expected standard? How are places allocated for the next entry year?
What Ofsted said about South Petherton Junior School
Overview
Pupils at South Petherton Junior School "beam with pride" and demonstrate "exemplary" behaviour, reflecting core values of respect and kindness. The school delivers a well-planned curriculum with high expectations, resulting in above-average outcomes in national tests and strong support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Strengths
- Behaviour is described as "exemplary," with pupils being "polite and kind" and keen to participate in lessons.
- The curriculum is ambitious and well-delivered, with staff having "strong subject knowledge" and enthusiasm for pupil achievement.
- Reading provision is robust, with "well established" processes to identify and support pupils needing extra help.
- Personal development is a strength, offering multiple opportunities for pupils to build "confidence and resilience."
- Pupils with SEND are "well supported" to access the same inspiring curriculum as their peers and achieve well.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, teachers’ checks on pupil retention are not effective enough, meaning "gaps in pupils’ knowledge are not addressed."
- The school should ensure staff have the expertise to check understanding of key knowledge so that pupils’ knowledge "builds securely over time."
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 | 77% |
| 2023/24 | 82% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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