St Simon of England Roman Catholic Primary School, Ashford
Ashford, TN23 4RB · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
418th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.5/10 against 3,537 of them, against 0.9/10 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 | 40.0 · 8 | 62% | 0.50 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Simon of England Roman Catholic Primary School, Ashford overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 40.0% 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 (0.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 208 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 core subjects? What does a typical day look like for a child in Year 6? How does the school handle transitions for pupils moving to secondary education?
What Ofsted said about St Simon of England Roman Catholic Primary School, Ashford
Overview
This inclusive Roman Catholic primary school provides a high-quality education where pupils feel safe, happy, and well-supported. Leaders have established a clear, ambitious vision that translates into effective practice, resulting in a calm atmosphere and strong pupil engagement. The school has improved significantly since its previous inspection, now delivering a broad curriculum that meets the needs of all learners, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well designed," "ambitious," and considers the needs of all pupils, with a "sharp focus on pupils’ language development."
- Reading is "prioritised highly," with children learning phonics from the early years and developing the ability to "read confidently and fluently."
- Staff "nurture and care for pupils," fostering "warm and welcoming" relationships and a culture where "everyone is welcome."
- Pupils achieve well and "actively engage in lessons," displaying an "active interest in learning" and curiosity from the early years.
- Leaders provide "meaningful opportunities" for pupils to act as leaders, such as through the ‘Ten for Ten’ programme and various clubs.
Areas to improve
- Staff should use "systematic checks" to identify misconceptions or errors in pupils’ work more effectively, ensuring teaching is adapted accordingly when understanding is not confirmed.
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 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 80% |
| 2024/25 | 40% |
| 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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