St Botolph's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Nr Diss, IP22 1DW · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
110th 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,017 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.5/10 among them, against 4.3/10 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 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Botolph's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School 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%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.5 out of 10 among them, against 4.3 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Art Club, Choir, and Brass, alongside sports such as Netball, Tennis, and Gymnastics. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 180 pupils against a stated capacity of 259. 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 higher standard in maths? What specific steps are taken to improve results in the similar-intake comparison group? How are the breakfast and after-school clubs structured to support daily routines?
What Ofsted said about St Botolph's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
Pupils are described as “generous and kind,” creating a happy environment where they feel safe and welcome. The school provides a high-quality education with effective leadership, particularly in reading and mathematics, though some curriculum areas lack clarity.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit “high expectations for their own and others’ conduct,” promptly reporting bullying which is resolved effectively.
- Leaders prioritise reading successfully; a revised phonics programme ensures children “confidently blend the sounds that letters make.”
- Staff workload is manageable due to “considered arrangements,” fostering a cooperative culture where staff “help each other.”
- The curriculum in mathematics is “suitably clear,” allowing pupils to become “typically confident mathematicians” through frequent revision.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities “typically thrive” thanks to tailored “learning passports” and targeted support.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must complete the curriculum review to specify “words, concepts and skills” in subjects where clarity is currently lacking.
- Leaders should implement a “rigorous system for identifying and addressing attendance concerns” to reduce persistent absence among disadvantaged pupils.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with robust checks on staff and a culture where concerns are reported and investigated appropriately.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 77% |
| 2023/24 | 80% |
| 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
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