Southwater Junior Academy
Horsham, RH13 9JH · West Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
41st of 192 primary schools in West Sussex we can score, 225 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 3,837 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.9/10 among them, against 6.2/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 40% | 2.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Southwater Junior Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 9.0% 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 4.9 out of 10 among them, against 6.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a breakfast club, an after-school club, and a Learning an Instrument at SJA club. Sports include cross country, football, tag rugby, netball, hockey, swimming, rounders, and cricket. Year 6 pupils go on a residential trip.
Getting in
The published school roll is 445 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. 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 expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the Year 6 residential?
What Ofsted said about Southwater Junior Academy
Overview
Southwater Junior Academy continues to be a good school, where pupils enjoy a "broad and exciting curriculum" and feel "safe and valued by staff." Leaders maintain high expectations, fostering a community where pupils are "polite and welcoming" and actively demonstrate kindness.
Strengths
- The curriculum is carefully designed, with clear knowledge presentation in subjects like geography and mathematics, helping pupils "remember more" and find success.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "identified quickly and accurately" and receive bespoke support to access the same important knowledge as their peers.
- Staff are confident in teaching, effectively checking understanding through questioning and quizzes, while leaders prioritise staff well-being and workload management.
- Pupils take on leadership responsibilities, such as being part of the ‘eco team’ and ‘kindness ambassadors’, contributing to a culture where bullying is rare.
- The PSHE curriculum is well organised, teaching important knowledge about health, well-being, and safety, including online and road safety.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure that pupils struggling to read are provided with "specific support to read with fluency and understanding," as current support is not yet consistently effective in addressing gaps in knowledge and misconceptions.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" where staff know their responsibilities well and record-keeping is clear and comprehensive.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 72% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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 RH13 9JH, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT