Willow Bank Primary School
London, SE2 9XB · Bexley · primary school
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51st of 55 primary schools in Bexley we can score, 60 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 — 6.3/10 against 816 of them, against 4.5/10 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 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| Ofsted | 10 | 35% | 0.34 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Willow Bank Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 9.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in football, rugby, cricket, hockey, netball, gymnastics, dance, and swimming, with a breakfast club available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 182 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 support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for children who need extra help in reading?
What Ofsted said about Willow Bank Primary School
Overview
Willow Bank Primary School is described as a place where pupils feel "welcome and happy" and are "active members of the school community." The report states that pupils "typically achieve well" and make "secure progress from their individual starting points," supported by leaders who have "high ambition for all pupils."
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well sequenced," ensuring pupils build required knowledge and skills, with a strong focus on reading and writing.
- Behaviour is "calm and purposeful," with pupils demonstrating "kindness" and staff providing tailored support such as "sensory circuits."
- Leaders work extensively to promote attendance, creating a "supportive and caring environment" through pastoral support like breakfast clubs.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive "precise support" and "bespoke education," enabling them to achieve well.
- There is a "rich curriculum" offering diverse enrichment opportunities, including trips and clubs, which ensure "equity of experiences" for disadvantaged pupils.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure teachers "systematically check pupils' understanding" so pupils are challenged and achieve the best possible outcomes.
- Leaders should "strengthen the teaching of writing" so pupils consistently develop their transcription skills.
- Leaders should ensure professional learning supports staff to develop "high-quality interactions" so pupils develop language and vocabulary securely.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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