The John Bamford Primary School
Rugeley, WS15 2PA · Staffordshire · primary school
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36th of 217 primary schools in Staffordshire we can score, 310 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.3/10 against 3,191 of them, against 8.7/10 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 | 80.0 · 88 | 40% | 3.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 16.0 · 85 | 25% | 2.13 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The John Bamford Primary School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in July 2024. In 2024/25, 80.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 16.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Science Club, Rocksteady Music School, O-Pals, Play Detectives, JB Little Explorers, ELSA Wellbeing Group, Peer Mediators, Digital Leaders, and STEAM Ambassadors. Sports include football and Wake Up, Shake Up!, while arts and music cover choir and drawing. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 268 pupils against a stated capacity of 343. 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 do not reach the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the ELSA Wellbeing Group operate during the school day?
What Ofsted said about The John Bamford Primary School
Overview
The John Bamford Primary School continues to be a good school, maintaining a "strong, inclusive ethos" where pupils feel secure and valued. Leaders are ambitious for all pupils, fostering a "vibrant love of learning" and ensuring high attendance and punctuality. The school prioritises well-being and personal development, creating a nurturing environment where pupils become responsible members of the community.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "ambitious and engages learners well," with a strong focus on reading and a "book-rich" early years environment.
- Pupils achieve well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and show pride in subjects like music and science.
- Staff demonstrate "secure subject knowledge" and work collaboratively, with workload and well-being taken into account.
- Personal development is emphasised through pupil voice initiatives, such as "weekly discussion assemblies" and leadership roles.
- Older pupils support younger ones, reinforcing a sense of community and collective responsibility.
Areas to improve
- Ensure staff teach the phonics curriculum "consistently and effectively" to address inconsistencies that hinder some pupils’ reading fluency.
- Clearly identify and monitor the key knowledge, skills, and vocabulary in foundation subjects to prevent gaps in pupils’ learning.
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 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 81% |
| 2024/25 | 80% |
| 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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