St. Mary Cray Primary Academy
Orpington, BR5 4AR · Bromley · primary school
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62nd of 69 primary schools in Bromley we can score, 76 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 — 3.2/10 against 2,080 of them, against 2.9/10 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 | 41.0 · 9 | 40% | 0.35 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St. Mary Cray Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 41.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 9.0% achieved it, 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 (3.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join bowling, swing ball, puzzles, drawing, board games, and disco clubs. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 233 pupils against a stated capacity of 248. 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 strategies are used to raise attainment in reading? How does the school manage the transition for children moving from the breakfast club into the main school day?
What Ofsted said about St. Mary Cray Primary Academy
Overview
St. Mary Cray Primary Academy continues to be a good school, described as “supportive and welcoming” with high expectations for pupils. Leaders have implemented an “ambitious curriculum” and strengthened early reading, fostering a culture where pupils are “safe, friendly and kind.” The inspection confirms that the school maintains its previous judgement, with staff and parents supportive of ongoing improvements.
Strengths
- Leaders have designed a “broad and comprehensive curriculum” with secure subject knowledge, particularly in history and early reading.
- The new headteacher has strengthened early reading by training all staff as experts and ensuring pupils receive regular support to catch up.
- Pupils are encouraged to be “polite and considerate,” with older pupils acting as responsible role models through initiatives like the anti-bullying squad.
- There are many opportunities for pupils beyond the curriculum, including outdoor learning, swimming, and visits to local libraries and farms.
- Staff workload and well-being are taken into account when leaders make important decisions, and staff appreciate the changes introduced.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, teachers do not systematically check that pupils understand and remember what they have been taught, hindering long-term knowledge retention.
- Leaders should follow through with plans to develop the curriculum in some subjects, ensuring core knowledge is clearly identified and staff are confident in delivering it.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with all staff receiving necessary training to identify risks and knowing how to report concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 48% |
| 2023/24 | 62% |
| 2024/25 | 41% |
| 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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