Walsham-le-Willows Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Bury St Edmunds, IP31 3BD · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
76th of 232 primary schools in Suffolk we can score, 253 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 — 5.4/10 against 3,864 of them, against 5.4/10 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 40% | 1.18 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 22.0 · 94 | 25% | 2.35 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Walsham-le-Willows Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. A higher 22.0% achieved 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 (5.4 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join SPLAT and Football clubs, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 117 pupils against a stated capacity of 140. 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 SPLAT club sessions? How does the after-school club structure its day for children staying until late?
What Ofsted said about Walsham-le-Willows Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
Walsham-le-Willows Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School is described as a “caring, welcoming school” where pupils feel “valued and supported.” The report highlights a “well-structured and ambitious curriculum” that fosters strong personal development, with pupils demonstrating “kindness and understanding” towards one another. Overall, the school provides a safe and orderly environment where children are “extremely polite and friendly.”
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a curriculum that allows them to develop school values, such as the ability to hold “detailed conversation” in French by Year 6.
- Teachers support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “well, using carefully thought out plans to adapt learning.”
- Reading skills are developed through a “well-taught, progressive approach to developing their phonics,” ensuring almost all pupils can read fluently by the time they leave.
- Leaders prioritise personal development, providing “enriching experiences” including residential visits and local history projects.
- Staff feel supported, noting that their “workload is always considered when new initiatives are introduced.”
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, teachers do not use plans accurately, meaning activities and assessments do not always help pupils “build on their knowledge and skills over time.”
- Leaders should check that teachers understand the specifics set aside for them to teach, including how to use assessment to inform activities.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders acting fast to make referrals and tenaciously requesting support to safeguard vulnerable pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 56% |
| 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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