Swaffham Bulbeck Church of England Primary School
Cambridge, CB25 0LX · Cambridgeshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
32nd of 197 primary schools in Cambridgeshire we can score, 210 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 — 8.1/10 against 4,058 of them, against 7.8/10 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
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Swaffham Bulbeck Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 13.0% of pupils, 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 (8.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2024.
Getting in
The published school roll is 77 pupils against a stated capacity of 94. 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
With 17 places currently available, how does the school manage class sizes if demand rises next year? Since the inspection was in early 2024, what specific improvements have been made to the curriculum since then? How does the school support pupils who are not yet meeting the expected standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about Swaffham Bulbeck Church of England Primary School
Overview
The inspection found that the school provides a good quality of education, underpinned by a Christian ethos where pupils feel included and valued. Leaders have established an engaging curriculum that helps most pupils build knowledge securely, though some adjustments are needed to ensure all learners, particularly those with significant gaps, achieve as well as they should.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "engaging and broad," with teachers presenting information clearly so pupils gain knowledge in a "logically defined order."
- Pupils are "fluent, expressive and confident readers," supported by daily reading and high-quality texts matched to their abilities.
- Staff prioritise pupils’ mental well-being, checking in regularly to ensure children feel "secure" and develop "solid friendships."
- Early years provision prepares children well for Year 1, particularly in English and mathematics, through stories, rhymes, and early mathematical concepts.
- Governors act as a "critical friend," providing effective challenge to leaders and ensuring statutory duties are met.
Areas to improve
- Staff must break down targets into smaller steps for pupils with significant learning gaps and receive additional training to support them effectively.
- Work given to pupils must provide more opportunity to demonstrate how they apply knowledge connections across subjects independently.
- Leaders need to explicitly signpost key knowledge in early years plans to ensure children are fully prepared for all subjects in Year 1.
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 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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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