Freshwaters Primary Academy

About Freshwaters Primary Academy

Freshwaters Primary Academy in Harlow is a state primary for children aged 3 to 11, and it is clearly a popular choice among local families. With 415 pupils on roll against a capacity of 446, the school is nearly full, and demand is strong: for the 2025/26 admissions round, there were 90 applications for just 47 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.91. Of those, 40 were first-preference applications, and all 40 received offers. The school serves a community with significant socio-economic need — 38.5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the national average of around 23%. This context matters when looking at the school’s performance, as it suggests the staff are working with a cohort that faces more challenges than many. The school is non-denominational and has a nursery provision, so it caters for families from the earliest years through to the end of primary.

Academically, Freshwaters performs solidly against a backdrop of high disadvantage. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 68% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is above the local authority average of 62%. Individual subject results were stronger: 87% met the expected standard in reading, 85% in maths, and 73% in writing. At the higher standard, 5% achieved the combined measure, with 27% reaching that level in reading and 29% in writing. Average scaled scores were 106 in reading and 105 in maths. Nationally, the school ranks in the 36th percentile for the combined expected standard, and within the East of England it sits in the 32nd percentile. In its most recent graded Ofsted inspection in 2015, the school was rated Good overall, with Good for leadership and management and Good for early years provision. An ungraded inspection in January 2025 confirmed that standards have been maintained, a notable improvement from the Requires Improvement rating it received in 2010.

The school offers a broad range of facilities including a library, art studios, gymnasium, sports hall, and playing fields, with sports such as cricket, football, gymnastics, and athletics on offer. Clubs include coding, choir, science club, drama, book club, and gardening. For families with children who have additional needs, Freshwaters provides support for a wide range of SEND categories, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language needs, social and emotional mental health, dyslexia, hearing impairment, and physical disability. Parent feedback from the most recent Parent View survey (34 responses) shows that 74% would recommend the school. Strong majorities agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy (77%), feels safe (82%), and does well (85%). However, a notable minority disagreed that concerns are dealt with properly (33% disagreed or strongly disagreed), and 24% disagreed that the school lets them know how their child is doing. This is a school that suits families who value strong academic outcomes in a high-needs context, with good facilities and a clear commitment to inclusion.

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