Howard Community Academy
62%
Capacity
196
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About Howard Community Academy
Howard Community Academy is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the West Suffolk community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 196 pupils on roll, operating at 62% capacity. Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Howard Community Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Alison Weir, it falls under Suffolk local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 24% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — below the national average. Additionally, ranked 13478th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 43rd out of 44 in West Suffolk.
Howard Community Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 28 applications for 21 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 20 were first-preference applications.
Howard Community Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 83% recommending the school (35 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Howard Community Academy include Art Studios, ICT Suite, Outdoor Playground, Sensory Room, Sports Hall, Dining Hall, Music Rooms, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Tennis, Athletics, Cross Country and 1 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Book Club, Eco Club, Coding and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 41.3%, which is well above the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in West Suffolk, Howard Community Academy is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 3 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Beard Road, Bury St Edmunds, West Suffolk, IP32 6SA |
| Headteacher | Alison Weir |
| Local Authority | Suffolk |
| Number of Pupils | 196 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 41.3% |
| School Capacity | 196 / 315 (62% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
1 Jul 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 8 Sept 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (24%)
13478th of 13,686
Nationally
1568th of 1,612
In East of England
43rd of 44
In West Suffolk
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
24%
Expected Standard
0%
Higher Standard
'22/23
24%
'23/24
24%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
35 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
10Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed21
28
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
20 families put this school as their 1st choice (71% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Howard Community Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Beard Road, Bury St Edmunds
West Suffolk, IP32 6SA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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