St Mary's CofE Primary School
Pulborough, RH20 4AP · West Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
76th of 192 primary schools in West Sussex we can score, 225 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 1,305 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2/10 among them, against 4.5/10 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 40% | 0.96 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
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's CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 13.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2 out of 10 among them, against 4.5 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Forest School, Reading Buddies, Play Leaders, School Council, and Year 6 Prefects. Sports include STARS Tournaments and swimming, while arts activities feature the National Big Draw. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 96 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 support is available for those aiming for the higher standard? How does the Forest School curriculum integrate with the main timetable?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's CofE Primary School
Overview
St Mary’s CofE Primary School continues to be a good school, providing an inclusive environment where pupils feel "extremely happy and safe." The report highlights strong relationships between staff and pupils, underpinned by the school’s STARS values, and notes that the curriculum has been recently strengthened to be "ambitious, broad and engaging."
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate high levels of respect and politeness, with "strong relationships with staff" and a clear understanding of school expectations.
- Teaching is effective, with staff delivering lessons clearly, checking prior knowledge, and skilfully adapting activities to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- The teaching of reading is strong, fostering a "love of books" and ensuring pupils confidently use phonics and engage with rich texts.
- Personal development is a high priority, with pupils able to discuss different faiths, cultures, and risks confidently, supported by the wider curriculum.
- Governors are well-informed and effectively support and challenge leaders, who are noted for being "sensitive to staff workload."
Areas to improve
- The school needs to refine the curriculum further, as the "sequence of learning is not as clear as it needs to be" in some subjects, hindering knowledge building.
- All teachers require a "secure understanding of the sequence of learning across all subjects" to ensure pupils build knowledge gradually over time.
- Pupils need to take more care when recording work in their books, as acknowledged by the school.
Safeguarding
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 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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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