Southover CofE Primary School
Lewes, BN7 1JP · East Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
37th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 6.3/10 against 3,685 of them, against 6.0/10 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.56 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 23.0 · 95 | 25% | 2.37 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Southover CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 23.0% achieved it, 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 (6.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Junior Adventure Group, Southover Creative Ballet, Zylo Drama, or Warhammer club. Sports include football, netball, cricket, cross country, basketball, badminton, and Morris Dancing. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 288 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 activities does the Junior Adventure Group offer during term time? How are class sizes managed given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about Southover CofE Primary School
Overview
Southover CofE Primary School continues to be a good school, maintaining an ethos where the motto ‘live, love, learn’ is intrinsic to all activities. The inspection confirms a strong sense of community and inclusion, with pupils feeling safe and valued due to kind, supportive staff. While the curriculum is well-sequenced and meets the needs of mixed-age classes, there are minor inconsistencies in phonics delivery that require attention.
Strengths
- The school fosters a ‘family feel’ where everyone is included, and pupils celebrate each other’s uniqueness.
- Staff build strong relationships with pupils from the early years, creating a calm environment where children feel valued and safe.
- The curriculum has been refined to effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with additional needs identified quickly.
- There is a ‘buzz of excitement about reading’, with older pupils achieving very well and enjoying the library.
- Pupils benefit from a wide range of extra-curricular clubs, including music, art, and science, which help develop aspirations for future careers.
Areas to improve
- Some staff deliver phonics sessions with ‘minor inconsistencies’ that are not always in line with school expectations, meaning pupils do not always learn to read as quickly as they could.
- The school should continue to support staff in implementing agreed teaching strategies for phonics so that pupils learn consistently well.
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) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| 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 BN7 1JP, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT