John Ray Infant School
93%
Capacity
335
Pupils
1.7x
Demand
About John Ray Infant School
John Ray Infant School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Braintree community, welcoming children from age 2 to 7. The school has 335 pupils on roll and is well-filled (93% of 360 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated John Ray Infant School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Lisa Christian, it falls under Essex local authority.
John Ray Infant School is a popular choice with families — it received 151 applications for 89 places, making it 1.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 86 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 5 areas, including Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication, Physical Disability and 2 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at John Ray Infant School include Outdoor Playground, Music Rooms, Playing Fields, Library, Sensory Room, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Football, Dance, Cricket and 3 more, as well as clubs including Gardening, Coding, Drama, Eco Club and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 23.0%, which is close to the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Braintree, John Ray Infant School 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 | 2 to 7 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Notley Road, Braintree, Braintree, CM7 1HL |
| Headteacher | Lisa Christian |
| Local Authority | Essex |
| Number of Pupils | 335 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 23.0% |
| School Capacity | 335 / 360 (93% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Nov 2019Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (14 Nov 2019): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 16 Feb 2011. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed89
151
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
86 families put this school as their 1st choice (57% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About John Ray Infant School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
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How to Choose a Primary School
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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
Notley Road, Braintree
Braintree, CM7 1HL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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