Thorndown Primary School
St Ives, PE27 6SE · Cambridgeshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
103rd 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 3,846 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.5/10 among them, against 4.1/10 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 | 61.0 · 41 | 40% | 1.65 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Thorndown Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 61.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 5.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.5 out of 10 among them, against 4.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 478 pupils against a stated capacity of 630. 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 national median in literacy and numeracy? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in the higher standard? How does the current Ofsted rating reflect recent changes in teaching practice?
What Ofsted said about Thorndown Primary School
Overview
Thorndown Primary School continues to be a good school, providing a "supportive, caring, and inclusive environment" where pupils thrive. The report highlights that pupils are "kind and considerate," feel safe, and enjoy their learning within a culture of high expectations and strong relationships.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from an "ambitious curriculum" with carefully selected content, particularly in mathematics and reading, where they build effectively on prior knowledge.
- Teachers possess "secure subject knowledge" and prioritise spoken language, helping pupils become "confident to share their thoughts aloud."
- Reading is a high priority, with a "systematic approach to teaching phonics" ensuring pupils develop into "confident, fluent readers."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive early identification and tailored support, ensuring they "achieve well."
- Parents are "overwhelmingly positive," describing the school as "brilliant," while staff feel well supported and proud of "the Thorndown family."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must fully implement curriculum plans in some foundation subjects across all year groups so pupils can "remember their learning long term."
- Leaders need to introduce a system to "monitor and evaluate patterns of poor behaviour" to identify trends before they become prevalent.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" where staff are "highly vigilant" and take prompt action on concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 61% |
| 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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