The Shade Primary School
Ely, CB7 5DE · Cambridgeshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
95th of 197 primary schools in Cambridgeshire we can score, 210 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 4,023 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.2/10 among them, against 4.7/10 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 | 55.0 · 27 | 62% | 1.69 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 38% | 2.98 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Shade Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A further 13.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.2 out of 10 among them, against 4.7 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can access piano, brass, clarinet, flute, drum, and violin lessons.
Getting in
The published school roll is 250 pupils against a stated capacity of 472. 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 below the expected standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for those aiming for the higher standard? How are music lessons scheduled to fit around the main timetable?
What Ofsted said about The Shade Primary School
Overview
The Shade Primary School is described as a "happy and safe school" where pupils are "respectful to peers and adults" and "trust and value staff." The report highlights an "ambitious and well-designed curriculum" that builds on prior knowledge, resulting in pupils who "enjoy and take pride in their work." Overall, the school provides a high-quality education with strong leadership and effective support for well-being.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate high expectations for learning, with a "strong culture of reading" and effective phonics teaching.
- Staff use "consistent teaching approaches" and "skilful questioning" to help pupils make connections and build secure foundations.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive "prompt and successful support," with accurate identification of needs.
- There are frequent opportunities for pupils to develop character through meaningful leadership roles and community work.
- Leaders and trustees "know the strengths and weaknesses of provision" and work effectively to improve the curriculum.
Areas to improve
- Teachers sometimes use tasks that do not effectively support learning, causing some pupils to lose engagement; the school must ensure consistent curriculum delivery.
- Bespoke teaching for some SEND pupils outside the classroom is not always well integrated with the main curriculum, requiring clearer long-term plans.
- The personal development programme sometimes lacks opportunities for "rich discussion," limiting the depth of pupils’ understanding of important issues.
Safeguarding
The report states that "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 | 59% |
| 2023/24 | 24% |
| 2024/25 | 55% |
| 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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