William Penn School
Horsham, RH13 8GR · West Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
174th of 192 primary schools in West Sussex we can score, 225 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 the 4,250 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.1/10 among them, against 3.4/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 40% | 1.97 |
| 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.
William Penn School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, matching the national median of 64%. However, 0.0% reached the higher standard, compared to the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.1 out of 10 among them, against 3.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join gardening, cooking, craft, and movie night clubs. The school also provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 84 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 progress from the expected standard to the higher standard? What specific actions are being taken to address the "Requires improvement" rating? How do the breakfast and after-school clubs integrate with the main curriculum?
What Ofsted said about William Penn School
Overview
William Penn School provides a "kind and caring environment" where pupils feel safe and value the close-knit community. While early years provision and personal development are rated "Good," the overall effectiveness and quality of education are judged as "Requires improvement" due to inconsistencies in curriculum planning and pupil progress.
Strengths
- Early years staff build "strong foundations in key areas like reading and number" through careful planning.
- Pupils receive "good support for their wider personal development," learning respect and reflection through the school’s Quaker ethos.
- Reading is taught effectively, with "phonics... taught consistently well" and pupils described as "keen readers."
- Safeguarding arrangements are "effective," and staff are adept at teaching new skills in core subjects like mathematics and English.
Areas to improve
- The sequence of learning in some subjects is "not planned clearly enough," hindering teachers’ ability to provide activities that ensure secure understanding.
- Teachers lack "comprehensive information... about pupils’ achievement" in certain subjects, preventing effective adaptation for varying needs, including those with SEND.
- Attendance remains below the national average, and staff do not consistently support all pupils to "sustain their focus on learning," leading to distractions.
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 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| 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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