Thomas Arnold Primary School, Rowdowns Road
Dagenham, RM9 6NH · Barking and Dagenham · primary school
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16th of 39 primary schools in Barking and Dagenham we can score, 44 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 — 7.7/10 against 2,592 of them, against 6.7/10 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 | 73.0 · 73 | 40% | 2.93 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Thomas Arnold Primary School, Rowdowns Road overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 73.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 8.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 454 pupils against a stated capacity of 476. 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 working towards the higher standard in core subjects? What specific trips or clubs are available for Year 6 students this term? How does the school manage class sizes given the current proximity to full capacity?
What Ofsted said about Thomas Arnold Primary School, Rowdowns Road
Overview
Thomas Arnold Primary School continues to be a good school, described as a "warm and welcoming" environment where pupils are "happy and kept safe." Leaders are ambitious for pupil achievement, fostering an inclusive culture where children are polite, behave well, and value the diversity of the local community.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well-considered," with important ideas in most subjects "identified and sequenced" to help pupils embed knowledge before tackling complex concepts.
- There is "effective provision for pupils with SEND," whose needs are carefully identified and supported, allowing them to be "fully included in all aspects of school life."
- Leaders place a "high priority on reading," supported by a "well-developed and effective phonics programme" and regular library visits that promote reading for pleasure.
- Pupils benefit from "wider opportunities to develop beyond the academic curriculum," including extra-curricular activities, school council roles, and initiatives like e-safety ambassadors.
- Staff workload is managed carefully, and governors are "experienced and forward thinking," providing both challenge and support to school leaders.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, the knowledge and skills pupils need to learn have not been "precisely identified and sequenced," preventing some from deepening their understanding as well as they could.
- Some subjects are at an "early stage of implementation," meaning strong practice is not yet fully secure; the school must ensure the curriculum is "implemented consistently well" and that assessment is used effectively to gauge learning.
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 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 73% |
| 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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