St Matthew's High Brooms Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9DY · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
364th of 425 primary schools in Kent we can score, 460 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 — 6.1/10 against 927 of them, against 4.4/10 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 40% | 1.47 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| 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 Matthew's High Brooms Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 8.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Zoom Club, Sama Karate, Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts. Sports include football, netball, boxing, and dance. Music offers include the KS2 Choir, Orchestra, and string groups. Year 6 pupils go on a residential trip, and a breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 293 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 to close the gap between the 59.0% expected standard and the national median of 64%? What specific actions are being taken to address the "Requires improvement" rating from the 2024 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St Matthew's High Brooms Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
The report describes a "welcoming school" where pupils are "warm and caring" and demonstrate "positive behaviour." However, overall effectiveness is judged as "Requires improvement" because leaders have not designed the curriculum well enough in several subjects, and teachers do not always hold "high expectations," causing some pupils to fall behind.
Strengths
- Pupils show "high levels of courtesy and consideration" and the school is "orderly and calm."
- Children in Reception build knowledge of mathematics and reading well and are "well prepared for their next steps."
- Pupils enjoy a broad range of extracurricular activities, including clubs for "running, sewing and the school orchestra."
- Older pupils are "confident readers" who discuss texts excitedly, supported by an "inspirational" library.
- Pupils learn about important concepts such as "consent and tolerance" and know how to stay safe online.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff have the training and secure subject knowledge needed to deliver phonics effectively, as Key Stage 1 pupils do not develop fluency well enough.
- Leaders must ensure staff have "stronger subject knowledge" to create challenging activities, as current expectations are not high enough.
- Leaders must design a curriculum that is "well sequenced and ambitious in all subjects" and use assessment systematically to identify gaps in knowledge.
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 | 45% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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