The Gateway Primary Free School
Grays, RM16 4LU · Thurrock · primary school
Check the area around this school
8th of 39 primary schools in Thurrock we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.0/10 against 2,028 of them, against 7.8/10 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 | 73.0 · 73 | 62% | 4.51 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 16.0 · 85 | 38% | 3.28 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Gateway Primary Free School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 73.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 16.0% against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils attend trips to Chalkwell Beach, Colchester Zoo, Hyde Hall, the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, and The Tower of London. A breakfast club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 459 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. 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 not yet meeting the expected standard in core subjects? What specific activities are included in the breakfast club before lessons begin? How does the school manage class sizes given the current proximity to full capacity?
What Ofsted said about The Gateway Primary Free School
Overview
The report describes a "friendly school community" where pupils "feel safe, flourish and achieve well." Leaders have designed an "ambitious" curriculum that builds knowledge gradually, supported by teachers with "strong subject knowledge" who teach confidently. The school fosters high expectations and a nurturing environment, resulting in excellent behaviour and exceptional personal development.
Strengths
- Pupils behave "extremely well," are "very polite," and maintain "strong, trusting relationships" with staff.
- The curriculum is "ambitious," ensuring pupils are "well prepared for what they will learn next."
- Early years provision is outstanding, with staff well trained in early reading schemes, helping pupils become "confident readers."
- Personal development is "exceptional," with pupils learning about "relationships and healthy lifestyles" and developing leadership skills.
- Staff feel "well supported" and "valued," contributing to a positive culture where they are "proud to work in their community."
Areas to improve
- In some curriculum areas, the school does not check well enough what pupils have remembered, meaning it is not clear how successfully pupils are meeting curriculum aims. The school should ensure checks demonstrate fully how well pupils are recalling and retaining the depth of knowledge intended.
Safeguarding
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 | 64% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 73% |
| 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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