Classpot

Helmingham Primary School and Nursery

Mid Suffolk, IP14 6EXPrimaryAges 2–11MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Requires Improvement
Jun 2023
KS2 Results
No data
Competition
1.0×
Not oversubscribed
1 1st-choice / 1 places
Ranking
Not ranked

About Helmingham Primary School and Nursery

Helmingham Primary School and Nursery is a tiny village school in Mid Suffolk, and its headline metrics tell a story that is quite different from the Suffolk local authority average. With just 20 pupils on roll against a capacity of 90, it is operating at barely a quarter of its potential size, which immediately sets it apart from the typical primary in the area. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023 graded it as Requires Improvement overall, a rating that places it below the majority of Suffolk primaries, where 14 out of 253 schools hold an Outstanding grade. However, the picture is not uniformly negative: the early years provision, personal development, and behaviour and attitudes were all rated Good, suggesting that the youngest children and the school’s pastoral care are relative strengths. The school also has a nursery provision, catering for children from age two, which is a practical advantage for local families seeking early years education in a very small setting.

Key Details

School TypePrimary (State)
Age Range2 to 11 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressSchool Road, Stowmarket, Mid Suffolk, IP14 6EX
HeadteacherStephanie Powley
Local AuthoritySuffolk
Number of Pupils20
Free School Meals (FSM)5.3%
School Capacity20 / 90 (22% full)
Nursery ClassesYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

14 Jun 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Requires improvement
Early Years Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 27 Jul 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

5
Dining HallICT SuiteLibraryOutdoor PlaygroundChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

9

Sports

DanceRoundersGymnasticsNetballTennisAthletics

Clubs & Activities

Science ClubCodingBook Club

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

DyslexiaOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Helmingham Primary School and Nursery

Helmingham Primary School and Nursery has been rated "Requires Improvement" by Ofsted. This means the school is not yet good, but inspectors believe it can improve with the right support and changes.