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St Thomas' Church of England Aided Primary School

Winchelsea, TN36 4ED · East Sussex · primary school

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Ofsted: Good · 2023 Inspected 2 years ago Mixed Primary Church of England
7.5/10 Above average

7th 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.

Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 9.1/10 against 4,194 of them, against 8.8/10 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 78.0 · 84 40% 3.36
Ofsted 52 35% 1.82
Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 22.0 · 94 25% 2.35

Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.

St Thomas' Church of England Aided Primary School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 78.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 22.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023.

Beyond the classroom

Pupils participate in the Rye Christmas Procession and Winchelsea Advent Windows. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.

Getting in

The published school roll is 148 pupils against a stated capacity of 150. 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 do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about St Thomas' Church of England Aided Primary School

Inspection report dated 15 November 2023

Overview

St Thomas’ Church of England Aided Primary School continues to be a good school, offering a positive environment where pupils are "excited to come to school." The report highlights a strong focus on creativity, community, and reading, with leaders ensuring pupils build knowledge in a "clear sequence."

Strengths

  • Pupils benefit from a "strong focus on creativity," including songwriting workshops and performances at Glyndebourne.
  • Reading and language are central to the curriculum, with carefully chosen books helping all pupils, including weaker readers, develop "confidence and fluency."
  • There is a "clear sense of community," with pupils taking on roles such as buddies and young librarians to support one another.
  • Staff ensure pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "included fully" through careful adaptation of provision.
  • Leaders provide "purposeful and effective training" for staff and are mindful of workload when introducing new developments.

Areas to improve

  • Leaders must ensure task design "consistently enables all pupils to achieve the ambitions of the curriculum," as some current tasks do not allow effective access.
  • Teachers need to address misunderstandings with "greater precision" to prevent gaps in understanding from persisting, particularly in mathematics.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Expected standard
78%
2024/25
Higher standard
22%
2024/25
Demand
×1.27
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
15%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.

50% 2022/23
65% 2023/24
78% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for St Thomas' Church of England Aided Primary School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2350%
2023/2465%
2024/2578%
England64%

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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