The Pines Primary School
Bury St. Edmunds, IP28 8WL · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
108th of 232 primary schools in Suffolk we can score, 253 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 2,587 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4/10 among them, against 4.5/10 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 | 61.0 · 41 | 40% | 1.65 |
| 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 Pines Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 61.0% 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%, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4 out of 10 among them, against 4.5 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the choir and Premier Sports, and a breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 240 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
What specific support is provided for pupils who have not reached the expected standard in maths? How does the breakfast club integrate with the morning routine for young children?
What Ofsted said about The Pines Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where "pupils flourish" and arrive "ready and keen to learn." Leaders have established a "broad and ambitious curriculum" that is well organised, ensuring pupils build their knowledge effectively from early years through to Year 6.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy "trusting relationships with adults" and feel safe, with bullying being "not acceptable."
- Teachers make "regular checks of pupils’ learning" and adapt plans to address gaps, helping pupils "build their knowledge over time."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities "achieve well," receiving quick identification and appropriate support via individual plans.
- Reading is "placed at the heart of the curriculum," with a consistent approach to phonics and extra help for those finding it difficult.
- Staff are supported by trust training, and leaders help them manage workload to focus on their roles.
Areas to improve
- Not all staff have "secure subject knowledge" for every part of the curriculum, meaning some misconceptions are not always addressed; leaders should ensure teachers receive training to strengthen this.
- Pupils lack access to a "wide range of clubs and activities" to nurture interests; leaders should act on plans to provide more opportunities for personal development.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" where staff are well trained, report concerns quickly, and leaders take immediate action.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 36% |
| 2023/24 | 41% |
| 2024/25 | 61% |
| 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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