The Palmer Primary Academy
Reading, RG2 7PP · Reading · primary school
Check the area around this school
15th of 37 primary schools in Reading we can score, 40 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 — 6.9/10 against 2,295 of them, against 5.7/10 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 | 66.0 · 54 | 40% | 2.16 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Palmer Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% 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 9.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Outdoor Explorer, Active Kicks, Messy Science, Artistic Adventure, Play & Relax, and Fun & Games clubs. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 436 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
What specific support is provided for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How are the various clubs scheduled to ensure all pupils can participate?
What Ofsted said about The Palmer Primary Academy
Overview
The Palmer Primary Academy is described as a “kind and inclusive school” where pupils are proud of their community and embrace diversity. Leaders have driven “rapid improvements” to the curriculum, resulting in a “well-sequenced” educational journey that supports “inspiring futures.” The school fosters strong relationships, with pupils behaving well and benefiting from a calm, orderly environment.
Strengths
- The early years provision is rated “Outstanding,” featuring an “exceptional curriculum” with an “exemplary focus on communication and language.”
- Leaders have designed a “well-sequenced curriculum” that helps pupils build knowledge progressively, particularly in English, mathematics, and science.
- Reading is a high priority, with a new phonics curriculum ensuring pupils learn to read quickly and enjoy a “wide range of books.”
- Pupils demonstrate “courteous” behaviour and understand the difference between unkind incidents and bullying, which is reported as “rare.”
- There is a “strong safeguarding culture,” with staff receiving regular training and being “confident to identify and report any concerns.”
Areas to improve
- Support plans for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) do not always accurately identify how specific needs will be met, meaning some pupils do not receive the necessary support.
- Subject and pedagogical knowledge are not strong for all teachers, leading to inconsistent use of effective strategies for helping pupils transfer knowledge into long-term memory.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture ensuring recruitment checks are completed and staff are tenacious in securing external support for vulnerable pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| 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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