Thakeham Primary School
Pulborough, RH20 3AA · West Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
47th of 192 primary schools in West Sussex we can score, 225 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 the 3,547 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.1/10 among them, against 5.8/10 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| 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.
Thakeham Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The school achieved a higher standard for 13.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.1 out of 10 among them, against 5.8 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council, Green Force, Book Worms, Thakeham Reporters, Digital Leaders, Sports and Play Leaders, House Captains, and the Buddy Programme.
Getting in
The published school roll is 104 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 support is available for the 13.0% of pupils aiming for the higher standard? How does the school manage the transition for new families given the current capacity?
What Ofsted said about Thakeham Primary School
Overview
Thakeham Primary School continues to be a good school, characterised by a "kind and nurturing" environment where pupils feel included and safe. The report highlights a strong focus on pupil well-being and an ambitious curriculum that is generally well-sequenced, though improvements are needed in certain foundation subjects and phonics delivery.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a supportive ethos underpinned by the values of "courage, ambition, respect and enjoyment," fostering positive behaviour and high attendance.
- Staff are "well supported and valued," with leaders carefully considering workload when implementing curriculum changes in this smaller-than-average school.
- Reading is given the "greatest priority," with refined phonics teaching and immediate support for pupils who need help to "keep up."
- The school effectively develops pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness through PSHE, trips, and diverse clubs such as pottery and choir.
- Leaders are "outward looking," working closely with the local authority to drive improvement and ensure the curriculum prepares pupils well for secondary school.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, pupils have "gaps in their knowledge" and do not always recall key information, requiring teachers to check retention more effectively.
- There is "minor inconsistency" in how well phonics sessions are delivered, meaning some pupils do not learn to read as quickly as they could.
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 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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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