Great Totham Primary School

About Great Totham Primary School

Great Totham Primary School is clearly a popular choice among local families, with 136 applications for just 60 places in the 2025/26 admissions round, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.27. Of those applicants, 69 put the school as their first preference, and 56 first-preference offers were made. While the school doesn't publish a parent-view recommendation percentage, the high demand speaks for itself. The school is a state primary for mixed genders aged 4 to 11, with no religious character, and is led by headteacher Sarah Vass. It currently has 429 pupils on roll, just shy of its capacity of 436, and a relatively low proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals at 7.2 per cent. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023, the school was judged to remain Good following an ungraded visit, having previously been rated Good in a graded inspection back in 2013.

Academically, Great Totham performs very strongly. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 95 per cent of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is well above the local authority average of 62 per cent. The school ranks first among 17 primary schools in the Maldon local authority area, and sits in the top five per cent nationally. Reading and maths average scores were 109 and 108 respectively, both comfortably above the national benchmark of 100. At the higher standard, 51 per cent of pupils achieved in reading, 31 per cent in maths and 20 per cent in writing. The school does not have a sixth form, as it is a primary, and no progress scores are available for reading, writing or maths. Its Ofsted breakdown from 2013 shows Good ratings for overall effectiveness, leadership and management, and early years provision, though no separate grades were given for behaviour or personal development at that time.

The school offers a range of facilities including a dining hall, ICT suite, playing fields and art studios, and runs clubs such as drama, choir and eco club. Sports on offer include rounders, gymnastics, dance and football. For pupils with additional needs, the school supports those with specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. There is no nursery provision on site. Given its strong academic record and oversubscribed status, this school will particularly suit families who prioritise high attainment at Key Stage 2 and are willing to apply early to secure a place. The nearest Outstanding-rated school is Chipping Hill Primary School, 4.1 km away, which may be an alternative for those who miss out on a place here.

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