Southwood Primary School
Dagenham, RM9 5LT · Barking and Dagenham · primary school
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31st of 39 primary schools in Barking and Dagenham we can score, 44 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 — 4.2/10 against 2,441 of them, against 3.8/10 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 40% | 1.18 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Southwood Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join art club, lunchtime and after-school sports clubs, the Daily Mile, Sports Week, and Sports Day. The school also provides a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 593 pupils against a stated capacity of 630. 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 are included in the Daily Mile? How does the school manage the transition for children moving from Year 6?
What Ofsted said about Southwood Primary School
Overview
This is a school where "everyone is made to feel welcome," with pupils who are "thoughtful" and "happy." Leaders have "successfully strengthened the curriculum," ensuring it is "ambitious" and builds knowledge over time, while maintaining high expectations for behaviour and personal development.
Strengths
- Pupils are "happy and feel safe," showing respect and engaging in leadership roles such as "ambassadors for community and culture."
- The curriculum is "well structured" in most subjects, with teachers who are "experts" that "address misconceptions" and check understanding.
- Reading is a "high priority," with staff well-trained in phonics to ensure pupils "read with fluency" and receive support if they fall behind.
- Staff relationships are "understanding and supportive," helping pupils trust adults when "upset or worried."
- The governing body provides "effective support and challenge," holding leaders to account and ensuring priorities are addressed.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure curriculum thinking "specifically sets out" the essential knowledge for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), as this is not "routinely defined or explicit."
- Leaders should ensure all subjects are taught in line with the "sequence of intended learning" to prevent gaps in knowledge where content is missed or not taught in order.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with a "culture of shared responsibility" where staff are trained to identify risks and leaders are "tenacious" in securing support for pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 51% |
| 2024/25 | 56% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,323 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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