Combs Ford Primary School

About Combs Ford Primary School

Combs Ford Primary School sits within the Suffolk local authority, a mixed state primary for children aged 4 to 11 in Mid Suffolk. Among the 253 primary schools in the county, it ranks 162nd, placing it in the bottom half of Suffolk primaries. The top-performing peers in the area include Stratford St Mary Primary School, Somerleyton Primary School, and Wenhaston Primary School, all of which achieve notably higher ranking scores. The school is oversubscribed for the 2025/26 intake, receiving 69 applications for 30 places, with 27 of those coming as first preferences. This suggests that despite its middling local rank, Combs Ford remains a popular choice for families in the catchment. The school has a capacity of 420 and currently houses 337 pupils, so there is some room to grow. Its religious character is listed as not applicable, and it does not offer nursery provision or a sixth form.

Academically, Combs Ford's most recent Ofsted inspection in February 2025 rated the school as Requires Improvement overall, though the inspection did not judge overall effectiveness. The quality of education and leadership and management were both rated as Requires Improvement, while early years provision, personal development, and behaviour and attitudes were all judged Good. This marks a decline from the school's previous inspection in 2011, when it was rated Good overall. In the 2023/24 KS2 results, 48% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, well below the Suffolk local authority average of 58%. Only 8% reached the higher standard in that combined measure. Reading scores were stronger, with 69% reaching the expected standard and 29% achieving a higher score, but maths lagged behind at 53% expected and just 16% higher. The school's national ranking places it in the bottom 50% of primaries.

Practical considerations for families include a range of facilities such as a forest school, sensory room, music rooms, and art studios, alongside clubs like chess, gardening, choir, and science club. Sports on offer include football, swimming, netball, cross country, and cricket. The school provides support for pupils with specific learning difficulties, speech and language needs, social and emotional mental health needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. Parent View responses from 83 respondents between September 2024 and September 2025 show mixed feelings: 48% agreed their child is happy, and 61% agreed their child feels safe, but only 39% agreed concerns are dealt with properly, and just 43% agreed SEND children receive the support they need. Only 47% of parents would recommend the school. This data suggests Combs Ford may suit families who value its facilities and extracurricular breadth but who are prepared to engage actively with the school on academic and pastoral concerns.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Combs Ford Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents