Sutton Valence Primary School
Maidstone, ME17 3HT · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
359th 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 — 1.9/10 against 2,421 of them, against 2.0/10 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 | 54.0 · 26 | 40% | 1.03 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
Sutton Valence Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 54.0% 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%. 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 (1.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 203 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 maths? What specific steps are taken to improve attainment in writing? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap in higher standards?
What Ofsted said about Sutton Valence Primary School
Overview
Sutton Valence Primary School continues to be a good school, providing a "friendly and welcoming" environment where pupils are "happy and feel safe." Leaders have prioritised curriculum development and pupil well-being, resulting in a community that values "courage, friendship, excellence, determination, equality and respect."
Strengths
- Pupils are "confident, enthusiastic and curious learners" who behave well and act as positive role models.
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," carefully sequenced to allow pupils to build on prior knowledge, with local context woven in.
- Early reading is a priority; a new phonics programme is "working well," with teachers providing daily support for those struggling.
- Staff are skilled at adapting activities for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they achieve well.
- Leaders prioritise staff well-being, and governors are "committed and know the school well."
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, leaders have not identified what teachers need to teach with enough precision, leading to inconsistent knowledge acquisition.
- A few staff lack strong enough subject and pedagogical knowledge, resulting in activities that do not always meet the needs of all pupils.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and reporting concerns promptly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 43% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 54% |
| 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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