The Arbours Primary Academy
Northampton, NN3 3QF · West Northamptonshire · primary school
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2nd of 138 primary schools in West Northamptonshire we can score, 147 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 — 9.8/10 against 3,211 of them, against 9.5/10 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 | 83.0 · 92 | 40% | 3.67 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 38.0 · 100 | 25% | 2.49 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Arbours Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 83.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 38.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in September 2023. 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 (9.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join the School Choir and Cup Debate Competition. Sports include swimming, gymnastics, dance, athletics, outdoor adventurous activities, and a basketball workshop. Arts and music features include Strictly Come Dancing, the Shakespeare School Festival, Northern Ballet, the DRET Primary Music Festival, and a string quartet. Trips include a residential experience, Nevill Holt Farm, and an author visit. A breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 333 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 reach the higher standard in maths? What does the residential experience involve for younger children?
What Ofsted said about The Arbours Primary Academy
Overview
The Arbours Primary Academy is described as a school where leaders maintain "the highest expectations" and create an environment where everyone receives the support needed to thrive. Pupils demonstrate "impeccable" behaviour and a positive attitude towards learning, benefiting from an "exceptional quality" curriculum that is "extremely ambitious and very well sequenced." The report highlights that pupils’ achievements are "exceptional" and that the school provides "breathtaking opportunities" to broaden horizons, with one parent calling it "Northampton’s best kept secret."
Strengths
- The curriculum is praised for being "of an exceptional quality," with detailed planning ensuring pupils learn in a "precise, logical order."
- Teachers "skilfully orchestrate conversations" to build understanding, ensuring all pupils, including those with special educational needs, access the same ambitious curriculum.
- Reading is taught consistently well, with staff acting as "experts" in the phonics programme and providing immediate support for those who need it.
- Personal development is "remarkable," offering a "rich range of experiences" such as performing in operas or visiting the beach for the first time.
- Leaders are "passionate, committed and dynamic," providing "first-rate training" and ensuring staff feel supported regarding well-being and workload.
Areas to improve
- Staff sometimes "miss opportunities to develop children’s communication and language skills when they are learning outside" in the early years.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with leaders ensuring staff understand their roles, receive frequent training, and report concerns immediately while working well with other agencies.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 81% |
| 2023/24 | 80% |
| 2024/25 | 83% |
| 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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