Willingdon Primary School
Eastbourne, BN20 9RJ · East Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
47th of 130 primary schools in East Sussex we can score, 144 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 — 5.3/10 against 3,892 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
Willingdon Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 10.0% achieved it, 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 (5.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the School Council, play boccia, football, hockey, cricket, or multi-skills, and participate in the Willingdon School Choir, Sign Choir, or violin, saxophone, trumpet, and drumkit lessons. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 421 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 manage class sizes when the roll exceeds capacity by 1? What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard in maths? How are the various music and sports activities scheduled to avoid conflicts with core lessons?
What Ofsted said about Willingdon Primary School
Overview
Willingdon Primary School is described as an inclusive institution that has "changed significantly" since its previous inspection, with "sharper" governance and a renewed curriculum. Pupils are "proud of their school" and display "excellent attitudes to learning," benefiting from high expectations and a focus on personal development. The report highlights that the school now fosters a positive environment where pupils make "good or better progress."
Strengths
- Behaviour is "Outstanding," with pupils behaving very well because "expectations are high" and they actively disapprove of distractions.
- Personal development is "Outstanding," with high levels of nurture and a strong focus on pupils’ physical and mental well-being.
- The curriculum is "well sequenced and resourced," allowing pupils to enjoy learning across subjects like geography, PE, music, and science.
- Mathematics teaching is systematic, helping pupils make "big strides in their understanding" through small, manageable steps.
- SEND pupils are supported effectively, with those in the specially resourced provision spending most of their day alongside peers.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the phonics programme is delivered with the "highest degree of fidelity possible" by all staff, as inconsistent implementation currently means some pupils do not receive the highest-quality teaching.
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 | 54% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of BN20 9RJ, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT