Ulcombe Church of England Primary School
Maidstone, ME17 1DU · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
397th of 425 primary schools in Kent we can score, 460 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 — 0.1/10 against 422 of them, against 0.4/10 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 | 15.0 · 1 | 40% | 0.02 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ulcombe Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 15.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2025.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join magic, outdoor explorers, orienteering, and Tug of War clubs, or play tennis, dance, and football. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 54 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 to progress from the 15.0% expected standard to the higher standard? What specific strategies are used to improve reading outcomes? How does the after-school club integrate with the curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Ulcombe Church of England Primary School
Overview
Ulcombe Church of England Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” Pupils are described as “safe and happy” in a “friendly school” where staff show “great care for pupils’ well-being.” Despite challenges with high pupil turnover and previous low national test results, the school helps new pupils settle quickly, ensuring they “achieve well from their starting points.”
Strengths
- The curriculum “matches the needs and interests of the pupils well,” with clear goals that support teaching in mixed-age classes.
- Staff build “trusting relationships with parents and carers” and are “sensitive to their individual needs.”
- Pupils behave well, form “very positive relationships,” and have a voice in school life through initiatives like termly ‘big question’ afternoons.
- Leaders manage teacher workload effectively, ensuring oversight systems are “not burdensome” and allow staff to focus on delivery.
- Children in the early years are supported well, developing positive relationships and exploring learning through play.
Areas to improve
- Teachers should provide more opportunities for pupils to apply mathematical knowledge across the curriculum to deepen thinking and embed learning.
- The school must continue to embed its approach to formative feedback so teachers give clear guidance and swiftly address gaps in pupils’ knowledge.
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 | 13% |
| 2023/24 | 0% |
| 2024/25 | 15% |
| 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 ME17 1DU, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT