Cold Norton Primary School

About Cold Norton Primary School

Cold Norton Primary School is a school that parents clearly want to get into. In the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 67 applications for just 23 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.91. Of those 67 applications, 19 were first-preference choices, and 17 of those families were offered a place. That level of demand suggests a strong local reputation, and it is worth noting that the school is oversubscribed despite having a capacity of 147 pupils and currently 157 on roll, meaning it is already running slightly above its official number. The school is a state primary for mixed genders aged 4 to 11, located in the Maldon borough of Essex, and has no religious character. It is led by headteacher Emily Penkett.

Academically, Cold Norton performs well above the local authority average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 78% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with the Essex local authority average of 62%. That puts the school 3rd out of 17 primary schools in the Maldon district, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Individual subject scores are strong too: the average reading score was 106, maths 105, and 89% of pupils reached the expected standard in writing. At the higher standard, 11% achieved the combined benchmark, with 28% hitting higher in reading and maths. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection, in March 2024, rated it Good overall, with Good across all five categories including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership. This is a step down from its previous Outstanding rating in 2012, but the current judgement is still a solid Good.

The school offers a range of facilities including a Forest School, music rooms, an ICT suite, and a chapel, plus outdoor playground and dining hall. Sports on offer include rounders, tennis, athletics and dance, and there are clubs such as book club, eco club, gardening, chess, coding and choir. For SEND, the school lists provisions for specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, social emotional and mental health needs, multi-sensory impairment, and other difficulties or disabilities. With only 7% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the intake is relatively advantaged. This is a school that suits families who value strong academic outcomes in a village-style setting, who are willing to compete for a place, and who appreciate the outdoor learning opportunities of a Forest School. It does not have a nursery or sixth form.

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