The Wells Free School
Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8FA · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
216th of 425 primary schools in Kent we can score, 460 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 5.4/10 against 3,846 of them, against 5.4/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Wells Free School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.4 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Sama Karate and the Honeybee Club, attend Forest School trips, and use the after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 213 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 available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How is the Forest School trip integrated into the regular curriculum?
What Ofsted said about The Wells Free School
Overview
The Wells Free School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils enjoy attending this welcoming environment where they feel valued, safe, and are taught to work collaboratively. The school provides a harmonious setting that supports pupils’ personal, social, and academic development.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well across the curriculum and are "ready for the next stage of their education."
- Relationships between staff and pupils are described as "full of warmth and mutual respect," with consistent behaviour expectations.
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," tailored to the diverse community, with a particular strength in mathematics where pupils’ fluency is secure.
- Staff possess "expert subject knowledge" and adapt teaching effectively, ensuring pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learn independently.
- The school places a "high priority on reading," providing expert support for those who struggle, resulting in pupils becoming fluent readers.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, the school must strengthen how assessment is used to check pupils’ understanding, as gaps in knowledge are not always identified promptly, hindering the ability to connect new learning with prior knowledge.
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 | 71% |
| 2023/24 | 62% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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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