The Bishop William Ward Church of England Primary School
Colchester, CO6 4AT · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
197th of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 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 — 5.0/10 against 3,905 of them, against 5.2/10 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 62% | 2.85 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 38% | 2.36 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Bishop William Ward Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. A higher 9.0% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join choir, cooking, fencing, and dance clubs, or play football, multi-sports, archery, golf, tennis, and swimming. An after-school club is available.
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 close to the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about The Bishop William Ward Church of England Primary School
Overview
Pupils at The Bishop William Ward Church of England Primary School are described as “confident and happy” members of a supportive community where they feel valued. The inspection found that the school provides a “Good” quality of education, with an “ambitious and well designed” curriculum that builds skills progressively. Strong relationships between staff, pupils, and parents foster a culture of respect and high expectations.
Strengths
- Teachers use questioning effectively to check learning and address misconceptions promptly, which is “particularly strong in mathematics.”
- The school has a “consistent approach to teaching phonics,” helping pupils become “confident and fluent readers.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported effectively, allowing them to progress well from their starting points.
- Behaviour is positive, with bullying being “rare” and pupils demonstrating “eagerness to do well.”
- Governors have a “thorough understanding of their roles” and strive for further improvement.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects other than English and mathematics, the school has not fully identified the important knowledge pupils need to know and by when, resulting in gaps in knowledge.
- The school must ensure precise knowledge is identified and sequenced across all subjects so pupils are “prepared well for their future learning.”
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 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 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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