Thornhill Primary School
Dunstable, LU5 5PE · Central Bedfordshire · primary school
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5th of 36 primary schools in Central Bedfordshire we can score, 95 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 — 6.4/10 against 3,864 of them, against 6.2/10 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 | 62% | 3.70 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 38% | 2.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Thornhill Primary 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%. 10.0% reached the higher standard, 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 (6.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 516 pupils against a stated capacity of 660. 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 expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How are class sizes managed given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about Thornhill Primary School
Overview
Thornhill Primary School is described as a “growing, diverse primary school” where most pupils enjoy attending and know the school’s vision “exceptionally well.” The report highlights a “broad and rich curriculum” that is “highly ambitious for all pupils,” resulting in strong outcomes in national assessments. While the quality of education, behaviour, and leadership are rated as Good, personal development is judged to be Outstanding.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “high levels of respect for all” and take “excellent care of each other,” contributing to an “exemplary” provision for personal development.
- The curriculum is “well sequenced” with strong subject knowledge among staff, particularly in English and mathematics where pupils achieve well.
- Pupils have access to an “exceptional breadth of opportunities,” including an ‘electives’ programme for skills like street dance and photography.
- Phonics teaching is effective, with “well-trained staff” ensuring pupils become “confident and fluent readers.”
- Safeguarding arrangements are “effective,” and pupils feel safe with trusted adults and a team of pupil ‘worry busters’.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, teaching is “not always adapted to meet pupils’ needs,” meaning pupils do not learn and remember as much of the curriculum as they could.
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 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 70% |
| 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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