Barling Magna Primary Academy

About Barling Magna Primary Academy

Barling Magna Primary Academy is a mixed state primary in Rochford, Essex, currently educating 171 pupils against a capacity of 210, meaning there is some room to grow. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 17.5%, which is worth noting in the context of the school's local authority, Essex, though a direct LA average for FSM isn't available here. Demand for places is strong: for the 2025/26 academic year, the school received 55 applications for just 21 places, an oversubscription ratio of 2.62. Of those, 15 were first-preference applications, and 15 first-preference offers were made, suggesting that while the school is popular, not every family who wants a place gets one. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection, an ungraded visit in January 2025, confirmed that standards are maintained, and it retains its overall Good rating. This follows a graded inspection in 2019 where it was also rated Good across all categories, a significant improvement from its previous Inadequate rating in 2016.

Academically, the picture is mixed. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 50% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is below the Essex local authority average of 62%. The school ranks 18th out of 19 schools in Rochford on this metric, placing it in the bottom 50 nationally. Looking at individual subjects, reading is a relative strength: 78% of pupils met the expected standard and the average score was 106, above the national benchmark of 100. Maths is weaker, with 67% reaching the expected standard and an average score of 102. Writing sits between the two, with 61% at expected. The proportion of pupils achieving the higher standard in all three subjects is just 11%, though 28% did so in reading. Progress scores are not available, so it's hard to say how much value the school adds, but the raw attainment data suggests outcomes are below average for the area.

The school offers a broad range of facilities including a library, ICT suite, sports hall, playing fields, a sensory room and even a chapel. Sports provision covers dance, swimming, tennis, netball, cricket, football and cross country, and there are clubs for drama, gardening and eco activities. SEND support is a notable feature, with provisions listed for autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language communication needs, social and emotional mental health, physical disability, visual impairment and moderate or profound multiple learning difficulties. Parent View responses, based on 60 respondents, show that 63% would recommend the school, though there are clear areas of concern: only 31% strongly agree or agree that bullying is dealt with quickly and effectively, and 48% of respondents said the question was not applicable. Similarly, just 41% agree or strongly agree that concerns are dealt with properly. This school will suit families who value its inclusive SEND offer and broad extracurricular programme, but those prioritising strong academic outcomes or a consistently positive parental experience may want to look more closely.

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