The Willows Primary School
Basildon, SS14 2EX · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
92nd of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 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 — 8.6/10 against 2,630 of them, against 7.6/10 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 | 76.0 · 80 | 40% | 3.19 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Willows Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 76.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 11.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 651 pupils against a stated capacity of 525. 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 manage class sizes when operating significantly above its designated capacity? What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard in core subjects? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while managing a roll that exceeds its place limit?
What Ofsted said about The Willows Primary School
Overview
The Willows Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils enjoy a welcoming environment where they feel happy and valued, supported by staff who take time to discuss their feelings. The school maintains high expectations for achievement, with pupils working hard and performing well across the curriculum.
Strengths
- Reading is central to the curriculum, with early reading taught effectively and consistently; books are matched to pupils’ known sounds to build fluency.
- Staff possess good subject knowledge, breaking down complex topics into manageable chunks, enabling pupils to build on previous learning.
- The school provides a broad curriculum with clear knowledge and skills progression from early years through to Year 6.
- Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes, polite behaviour, and cooperative play, supported by roles such as anti-bullying ambassadors.
- Effective support is provided for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including early identification and collaboration with external professionals.
Areas to improve
- Teaching staff must check what pupils know with greater precision and address misconceptions quickly to prevent gaps in learning, particularly for pupils with SEND.
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 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 76% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of SS14 2EX, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT