Waterman Primary School
Rochford, SS4 1QF · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
386th 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 — 2.1/10 against 598 of them, against 1.6/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| 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.
Waterman Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 0.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in February 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
A breakfast club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 67 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 move from the expected standard to the higher standard in maths? What specific actions are being taken to address the "Requires improvement" rating from the 2024 inspection? How does the breakfast club integrate with the morning routine for early arrivals?
What Ofsted said about Waterman Primary School
Overview
The inspection found that the quality of education and overall effectiveness at Waterman Primary Academy ‘Requires improvement’, though behaviour, personal development, and leadership are rated ‘Good’. The report highlights that while the trust has stabilised staffing and established an ambitious curriculum, parents remain ‘unsettled’ due to high staff turnover and concerns about learning progress.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy ‘many responsibilities and opportunities’, including eco-warrior roles and clubs, and ‘make the most of the swimming pool’.
- The curriculum ‘helpfully builds pupils’ knowledge and understanding progressively’, with a strong emphasis on widening vocabulary and early years communication.
- Phonics teaching is effective, with books ‘well matched to the sounds that they know’, helping most older pupils form ‘positive reading habits’.
- Safeguarding arrangements are ‘effective’, and staff feel ‘well supported’ regarding workload and well-being.
- Pupils have a ‘thorough understanding of fundamental British values’ and know how to stay safe online.
Areas to improve
- Staff must improve formative assessment to identify misconceptions, ensuring pupils ‘master the basics before moving on to complex work’.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is ‘variable’; plans lack specific guidance, hampering achievement.
- The school needs to ‘reassure parents’ and improve communication to address concerns about behaviour and learning quality.
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 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 89% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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