The Bellbird Primary School
Cambridge, CB22 3GB · Cambridgeshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
85th 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,224 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.3/10 among them, against 4.9/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Bellbird Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. However, 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.2 out of 10 among them, against 4.9 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 426 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
Since the higher standard attainment is lower than the national median, what specific support is available for pupils aiming to exceed expected levels? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while managing a roll that exceeds its designated places?
What Ofsted said about The Bellbird Primary School
Overview
The Bellbird Primary School is judged as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories. Pupils enjoy their education, particularly music, and benefit from a curriculum that has been recently improved to sequence knowledge effectively. The school fosters a respectful, inclusive environment where pupils are encouraged to be independent and responsible.
Strengths
- The curriculum is well-sequenced, helping pupils ‘secure their understanding over time’, particularly in mathematics where they become ‘increasingly adept in their use of number’.
- Staff present information clearly and check learning through ‘well-considered questions’, supporting vocabulary development in early years.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘precisely identified’ and receive successful support, including interventions to manage emotions.
- Behaviour is positive, with pupils showing ‘kindness and compassion’ and using the ‘CHUM CATS’ system to resolve disagreements.
- Reading is strong, with Reception children quickly learning to blend sounds and staff providing books that ‘match the sounds they know’.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, the school lacks a ‘secure enough understanding of some of the pupils’ gaps in knowledge’, hindering targeted teaching.
- Staff do not ‘identify and address’ common writing errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling ‘quickly enough’, allowing misconceptions to persist.
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 | 40% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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