Waltham Holy Cross Primary Academy
Waltham Abbey, EN9 1LG · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
112nd of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.3/10 against 2,539 of them, against 7.2/10 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 | 73.0 · 73 | 40% | 2.93 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Waltham Holy Cross Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 73.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 11.0% achieved this, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 598 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 working towards the higher standard in maths? What specific trips are planned for the next academic year?
What Ofsted said about Waltham Holy Cross Primary Academy
Overview
Pupils “proudly and happily attend” this academy, which has moved from a period of instability to become part of a trust with strong leadership. The report highlights “exceptional behaviour” and a “well-considered and ambitious curriculum” that supports high-quality work and positive attitudes towards learning.
Strengths
- Pupils display “exceptional behaviour” and are “highly motivated,” showing good manners and self-confidence.
- Leaders and the trust work “highly effectively,” ensuring consistent expectations for teaching quality and staff development.
- Teachers are “well-trained and knowledgeable,” providing “clear and precise instruction” and checking understanding regularly.
- The school prioritises reading, helping pupils become “confident and fluent readers” through effective phonics support.
- Needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified “quickly and accurately,” with effective support ensuring they reach learning goals.
Areas to improve
- The school must continue addressing “gaps in pupils’ knowledge in a few subjects” by adapting the curriculum further to ensure pupils achieve well across all areas.
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 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 64% |
| 2024/25 | 73% |
| 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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