Southwold Primary School
Southwold, IP18 6JP · Suffolk · primary school
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223rd of 232 primary schools in Suffolk we can score, 253 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 — 1.2/10 against 810 of them, against 1.1/10 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 | 43.0 · 11 | 62% | 0.65 |
| 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.
Southwold Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 43.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (1.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils visit the Winterton Residential Field Study Centre and the Yoxford & Peasenhall Indoor Swimming Pool.
Getting in
The published school roll is 60 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 to bridge the gap between the 43.0% expected standard and the national median? What specific strategies are used to help children reach the higher standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Southwold Primary School
Overview
Pupils at Southwold Primary School enjoy their learning, with teachers who ‘bring things to life’ and foster an eagerness to learn. The school has made significant progress since its previous inspection, now delivering a ‘Good’ quality of education across all key judgement areas, including behaviour, personal development, and leadership.
Strengths
- Teachers ‘skilfully check that pupils’ knowledge of phonics is secure’, ensuring rapid identification and support for those struggling with reading.
- The curriculum is ‘ambitious’ and well-designed, with high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), who ‘achieve as well as other pupils’.
- Pupils develop strong social skills and leadership qualities through roles such as ‘house captains’ and ‘digital leaders’, alongside community engagement with local charities and wildlife trusts.
- Staff wellbeing is prioritised, with leaders being ‘considerate of their workload’, contributing to a positive working environment.
- The early years provision effectively develops children’s language and communication skills, standing them in ‘good stead to access the key stage 1 curriculum’.
Areas to improve
- In recently implemented curriculum areas like mathematics, pupils do not always develop ‘reasoning and problem-solving skills well enough’, limiting their ability to apply knowledge in complex contexts.
- Pupils are not routinely remembering to take care with ‘punctuation and grammar’ in their writing, which impacts the overall quality of their work across the curriculum.
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 | 45% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 43% |
| 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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