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The March CofE Primary School

Chichester, PO18 0NU · West Sussex · primary school

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Ofsted: Good · 2023 Inspected 3 years ago Mixed Primary Church of England
4.7/10 Broadly average

81st of 192 primary schools in West Sussex we can score, 225 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 3,547 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.5/10 among them, against 4.4/10 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 60.0 · 39 40% 1.56
Ofsted 52 35% 1.82
Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 7.0 · 51 25% 1.27

Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.

The March CofE Primary School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.5 out of 10 among them, against 4.4 out of 10 nationally.

Beyond the classroom

Pupils participate in Forest School, Faith Council, and School Council.

Getting in

The published school roll is 208 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 to bridge the gap between the 60.0% expected standard and the national median? What specific strategies are used to improve the 2.5 out of 10 ranking in similar-intake comparisons? How does the Forest School curriculum integrate with the core academic subjects?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about The March CofE Primary School

Inspection report dated 12 May 2023

Overview

The March CofE Primary School is described as a well-led institution where pupils benefit from an "exceptionally well-planned enrichment curriculum" and high expectations. Leaders are ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs, resulting in strong achievement and a "strong sense of community."

Strengths

  • Pupils enjoy an "exceptionally well-planned enrichment curriculum" with meaningful leadership opportunities that foster character development.
  • A "strong culture of reading" ensures children read with "enthusiasm and increasing fluency," with effective targeted support for those falling behind.
  • Personal development is rated "Outstanding," with pupils being "well prepared for life in modern Britain" and having a good understanding of tolerance and equality.
  • Staff know pupils well, allowing for effective adaptation of resources so that pupils with SEND can "achieve the same ambitious goals as other pupils."
  • The school is "well led" by leaders who are ambitious and supported by the multi-academy trust, with careful management of staff workload.

Areas to improve

  • Leaders must improve the "sequencing of the curriculum in some subjects" to ensure pupils build on prior knowledge rather than forgetting important concepts.
  • Staff need to deal with pupil behaviour, particularly unkindness, in a more "consistent way" to ensure all pupils feel safe and happy.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving thorough training and being confident in identifying risks and reporting concerns rigorously.

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Expected standard
60%
2024/25
Higher standard
7%
2024/25
Demand
×1.2
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
8%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.

63% 2022/23
27% 2023/24
60% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for The March CofE Primary School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2363%
2023/2427%
2024/2560%
England64%

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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