Steam Mills Primary School
Cinderford, GL14 3JD · Gloucestershire · primary school
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133rd of 218 primary schools in Gloucestershire we can score, 241 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 — 6.9/10 against 3,059 of them, against 6.3/10 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 | 87.0 · 96 | 40% | 3.82 |
| Ofsted | 8 | 35% | 0.27 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Steam Mills Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 87.0% 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% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in June 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a Forest School, and the school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 128 pupils against a stated capacity of 119. 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
Since the higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, what specific support is offered to children aiming for greater depth? How does the Forest School curriculum integrate with the core subjects to support the strong reading and writing results?
What Ofsted said about Steam Mills Primary School
Overview
Steam Mills Primary School provides an education where most pupils in key stages 1 and 2 are "well prepared for the next stage of their education," with attainment often above the national average. However, the report highlights a significant disparity, noting that "children in the early years do not build the skills and knowledge they need to be ready for the demands of key stage 1." The school is described as inclusive with strong behaviour, though specific areas of teaching and curriculum design require attention.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "foundational knowledge in reading, writing and mathematics" and take pride in their improving work quality.
- Behaviour is a strength, underpinned by the school’s 'SHINE' principles, resulting in pupils who are "polite and kind" with no incidents of bullying.
- Attendance rates are in line with or above the national average, supported by leaders who "quickly identify and act to remove any barriers."
- The curriculum is "well designed and rich in knowledge," with effective use of assessment strategies to help knowledge "sink in."
- Personal development is robust, with pupils showing respect for different cultures and a keen interest in global issues and British values.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the early years learning environment is "purposeful and language-rich" to support communication and early literacy, as current provision lacks ambition and effective design.
- Staff, particularly in the early years, should engage in "high-quality interactions that deepen children’s understanding and vocabulary" rather than relying on instructional approaches.
- Leaders should refine support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities by ensuring targets are "specific so that staff know when they have been achieved."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 76% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 87% |
| 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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