St Paul's Church of England Academy
St Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 6RT · East Sussex · primary school
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23rd of 130 primary schools in East Sussex we can score, 144 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 — 8.2/10 against 2,056 of them, against 6.9/10 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 | 72.0 · 71 | 40% | 2.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Paul's Church of England Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 72.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 10.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Music Dance Club and Choir, and participate in cricket, swimming, BMX, and the Daily Mile. Year 6 students visit Port Lympne and PGL. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 634 pupils against a stated capacity of 664. 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 not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the Music Dance Club? How does the school manage the transition for Year 6 pupils before their external trips?
What Ofsted said about St Paul's Church of England Academy
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms the school remains ‘good’, with evidence suggesting it could achieve ‘outstanding’ if a graded inspection were conducted now. The report highlights a ‘welcoming community’ where pupils are ‘safe and cared for’, demonstrating ‘exceptional’ behaviour and ‘exemplary’ relationships. Leaders have created a culture where staff feel well-supported and pupils are both ‘supported and challenged’.
Strengths
- The curriculum is described as ‘extremely ambitious’, with ‘thoughtfully mapped’ knowledge ensuring pupils, including those with SEND, make ‘rapid progress’.
- Reading is prioritised from the start; pupils read with ‘accuracy, confidence and fluency’, supported by a strong culture including the ‘5 a day’ approach.
- Pupils ‘behave exceptionally well’ and ‘attend school regularly’, with high expectations embedded from Nursery and Reception.
- A ‘huge range of clubs and activities’ nurtures individual talents, while pupils actively participate in school life as ‘ambassadors’ and through the school council.
- Staff benefit from ‘extensive professional development’, resulting in ‘very strong’ subject knowledge and effective workload management.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 59% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 72% |
| 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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