St Leonard's Church of England Primary School
Southminster, CM0 7ES · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
362nd of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 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 — 0.2/10 against 2,737 of them, against 0.6/10 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 | 29.0 · 2 | 40% | 0.10 |
| 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 Leonard's Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 29.0% 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%, 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 (0.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024.
Getting in
The published school roll is 258 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 literacy? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in maths? How does the school monitor progress for children who have not reached the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about St Leonard's Church of England Primary School
Overview
Southminster Church of England Primary School is described as a "happy and nurturing place to learn" where pupils enjoy attending and feel safe. The report highlights that leaders have worked diligently to make "significant improvements" to the curriculum following a previous inadequate rating, resulting in a "broad and highly ambitious" educational offer.
Strengths
- Pupils receive "effective support" for special educational needs and/or disabilities, with staff promptly identifying those requiring additional help.
- The school has implemented an "effective phonics programme" ensuring high-quality sessions where children quickly learn to read and become "confident and fluent readers".
- Staff possess "strong subject knowledge" and explain new concepts clearly, helping pupils catch up on historical learning gaps.
- Pupils behave well, "listen carefully to instructions," and take ownership of their behaviour choices.
- Leaders and governors "review the impact of their support" to accurately identify necessary improvements for pupil success.
Areas to improve
- The school needs to strengthen "retrieval practice" in some subjects, as prior learning is not always recapped, causing pupils to struggle recalling what they have learned.
- Staff must closely follow curriculum plans in all subjects; currently, some do not, meaning pupils are "not learning what is intended" and developing knowledge gaps.
- The school needs to provide a "wider offer" of activities to ensure pupils access experiences beyond the academic curriculum to develop their talents and interests.
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 | 18% |
| 2023/24 | 23% |
| 2024/25 | 29% |
| 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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