West Row Academy
Bury St. Edmunds, IP28 8NY · Suffolk · primary school
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124th 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 — 6.3/10 against 3,685 of them, against 6.0/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 12 | 35% | 0.40 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
West Row Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 10.0% reached 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 (6.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.0 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in May 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join gardening, handwriting, and craft clubs, or participate in football, gymnastics, mini-fitness, archery, and dance. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 208 pupils against a stated capacity of 270. 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 new inspection framework affect day-to-day teaching priorities? What specific support is offered to pupils who do not reach the expected standard?
What Ofsted said about West Row Academy
Overview
West Row Academy has seen "significant and rapid" improvement in recent years, with leaders successfully addressing previous issues. The school now offers an "ambitious" curriculum that builds knowledge over time, resulting in pupils who "read often and read well" and achieve close to national averages. While the overall picture is positive, the report notes that some inconsistencies in provision remain, though leaders are "robustly addressing" these areas.
Strengths
- Leaders and trustees have a "detailed understanding" of pupil learning and make "well considered changes" to curriculums, such as phonics and mathematics.
- Pupils are "accurate, fluent and typically enthusiastic readers," with prompt support available for those needing extra help.
- Staff benefit from "high-quality professional development" and are "very positive about working here," contributing to effective teaching.
- The school fosters a strong sense of community, with pupils who "respect each other and adults" and where bullying is "rare" and effectively dealt with.
- Inclusive practices ensure pupils with special educational needs, including those in 'The Hub', make "positive progress" and feel part of the school.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure goals set for pupils are "consistently precise and measurable" to accurately track progress.
- Staff must "consistently and rigorously check pupils' learning" to quickly address gaps and misconceptions, as this is not always done effectively.
- The curriculum should be taught "consistently well across all key stages and subjects" to ensure all pupils gain the necessary breadth and depth of knowledge.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" established where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed," ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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