Birchwood Primary School
98%
Capacity
206
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Birchwood Primary School
Birchwood Primary School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the East Suffolk community, welcoming children from age 4 to 11. The school has 206 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (98% of 210 places).
the school is led by headteacher Philippa Wake, it falls under Suffolk local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 67% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — above the national average. Additionally, ranked 5476th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 21st out of 72 in East Suffolk.
Birchwood Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 70 applications for 29 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 33 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Birchwood Primary School include Sports Hall, Playing Fields, Dining Hall, Music Rooms, ICT Suite, Library, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Cricket, Dance, Netball and 2 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Science Club, Coding, Art Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 8.7%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in East Suffolk, Birchwood Primary School is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 4 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Valiant Road, Ipswich, East Suffolk, IP5 3SP |
| Headteacher | Philippa Wake |
| Local Authority | Suffolk |
| Number of Pupils | 206 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 8.7% |
| School Capacity | 206 / 210 (98% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Dec 2022Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Latest inspection (14 Dec 2022): School remains Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 21 Nov 2016. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (67%)
5476th of 13,686
Nationally
581st of 1,612
In East of England
21st of 72
In East Suffolk
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
67%
Expected Standard
7%
Higher Standard
'22/23
40%
'23/24
67%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed29
70
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
33 families put this school as their 1st choice (47% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birchwood Primary School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Valiant Road, Ipswich
East Suffolk, IP5 3SP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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