St John's C of E Academy
Coleford, GL16 8DU · Gloucestershire · primary school
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178th of 218 primary schools in Gloucestershire we can score, 241 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 4.4/10 against 1,984 of them, against 3.8/10 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 | 54.0 · 26 | 40% | 1.03 |
| Ofsted | 12 | 35% | 0.40 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St John's C of E Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 54.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 8.0% against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.8 out of 10 against all schools). The most recent inspection took place in May 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council, Cross Country, Gymnastics, and the Gloucestershire School Games. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 155 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 after-school club? How does the new inspection framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about St John's C of E Academy
Overview
St John’s C of E Academy is described as a “calm school” where staff know children and families well, fostering a strong “sense of belonging.” The report highlights that pupils “thrive and achieve well,” with particular praise for the early years provision and the inclusive support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
Strengths
- The early years curriculum is “fully realised,” with staff using “high-quality interactions” to help children develop essential skills quickly.
- Attendance is “above the national average” due to effective, tailored support for pupils facing barriers.
- Inclusion is strong; staff provide “timely, well targeted support” that helps pupils with SEND “close the gaps with their peers.”
- Relationships are “consistently warm and caring,” creating a secure environment where pupils feel safe and valued.
- Governors and leaders provide “robust challenge” and are “wholeheartedly committed to sustained improvement.”
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure the curriculum is “taught consistently well” to address inconsistencies in teaching delivery.
- Leaders should embed high expectations of behaviour so more pupils “develop their self-discipline.”
- Leaders should ensure pupils develop a “deeper knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity in Britain.”
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 42% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 54% |
| 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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