Valence Primary School
Dagenham, RM8 3AR · Barking and Dagenham · primary school
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29th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 4.2/10 against 2,785 of them, against 3.9/10 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.56 |
| 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.
Valence Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% 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%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024.
Beyond the classroom
A breakfast club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 848 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,050. 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 are offered in the afternoon to complement the curriculum? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2024 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Valence Primary School
Overview
Valence Primary School continues to be a good school, offering an "ambitious and broad curriculum" that fosters independence and high academic expectations. Pupils are described as respectful, safe, and keen learners who benefit from strong support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Strengths
- The curriculum is well-designed, including a rigorous new early reading programme that has significantly improved Year 1 phonics outcomes.
- Teaching is generally effective, breaking learning into small steps; for example, in music, pupils learn lyrics and rhythms before melodies.
- SEND provision is "routinely strong," with staff using detailed knowledge to adapt resources and ensure full inclusion in personal development activities.
- Attendance rates are significantly above the national average, supported by strong professional relationships with families.
- Leaders are "highly reflective," actively monitoring staff workload and wellbeing while governors play an active role in driving improvement.
Areas to improve
- The writing curriculum lacks sufficient opportunities for pupils to master key building blocks, resulting in written work and national assessment outcomes that are not as high as they should be.
- Occasionally, teaching does not routinely check that all pupils understand and remember content, which hinders the memorisation of key subject knowledge over time.
- Processes to ensure the safety of pupils leaving the school mid-year before being removed from the roll are not as rigorous as they should be.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture where staff recognise signs of risk, though mid-year departure procedures require greater rigour.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| 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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