Thomas Russell Junior School
Burton-on-Trent, DE13 8EU · Staffordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
35th of 217 primary schools in Staffordshire we can score, 310 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 1,727 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.1/10 among them, against 6.3/10 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 | 78.0 · 84 | 40% | 3.36 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Thomas Russell Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 78.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. However, 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in January 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.1 out of 10 among them, against 6.3 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 252 pupils against a stated capacity of 252. 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 in moving from the expected to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll matches the total capacity?
What Ofsted said about Thomas Russell Junior School
Overview
Thomas Russell Junior School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection, which judged it outstanding for overall effectiveness. The report describes the school as a "warm and nurturing place" where pupils achieve very well and demonstrate "excellent attitudes to learning." It is characterised by high expectations, strong academic results, and a culture where pupils feel happy, cared for, and ready to learn.
Strengths
- Pupils behave extremely well, showing respect and "beautiful manners," creating calm and purposeful classrooms.
- Staff address misconceptions with a "high level of expertise," enabling pupils to become confident mathematicians and fluent readers.
- The curriculum is ambitious and inclusive; pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learn the same content as their peers with effective adaptations.
- The school provides targeted support for early readers and emotional well-being, resulting in high attendance and settled pupils.
- Leaders and staff are praised for their determination to maintain high standards, with parents being "overwhelmingly appreciative" of the care and education provided.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure it consistently applies its effective assessment systems across all subjects, as they are not yet well established in a small number of areas.
- This inconsistency means that precise gaps in some pupils’ learning are not always identified and subsequently addressed.
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 | 69% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 78% |
| 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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