Lansdowne Primary Academy

About Lansdowne Primary Academy

Lansdowne Primary Academy in Thurrock is a large state primary with 693 pupils on roll, operating just below its capacity of 734 places. The school serves a community with significant socio-economic diversity, reflected in its 48.2 per cent of pupils eligible for free school meals — a figure well above the national average and a clear indicator of the challenges the school navigates. Demand for places is strong: for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 105 applications for 72 total places, with 71 of those coming as first preferences. That oversubscription ratio of 1.46 suggests a school that local families actively choose, even in a competitive primary market. The school offers nursery provision for children from age three, and its mixed, non-religious character means it draws from a broad catchment. Headteacher Dan George leads a setting where the pupil count has remained high relative to capacity, and the combination of high FSM and oversubscription paints a picture of a school that is both inclusive and in demand.

Academically, Lansdowne’s most recent Key Stage 2 results from 2023/24 show 62 per cent of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined. That is slightly below the Thurrock local authority average of 67 per cent, and places the school 24th out of 39 primaries in the borough — in the bottom half regionally and nationally. However, the picture is more nuanced when you look at individual subjects: 77 per cent met expectations in maths and 76 per cent in writing, both respectable figures. The average scaled scores of 105 in maths and 104 in reading are solid, and 9 per cent of pupils achieved the higher standard across all three subjects. Ofsted’s most recent graded inspection in March 2022 rated the school Good overall, with Good across all categories including behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership. The previous inspection in 2016 also awarded Good, so the school has maintained a consistent standard over time.

The school’s facilities include a library, gymnasium, outdoor playground and a sensory room, which supports its extensive SEND provision. Lansdowne offers a resourced provision and caters for a wide range of needs, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language communication needs, visual impairment, physical disability and social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Sports on offer include cross country, netball, athletics, swimming, rounders and cricket, while clubs range from choir and chess to science, gardening and art. With oversubscription and a first-preference offer rate of 71 out of 72 places, families need to apply early and list the school as their top choice to maximise their chances. This is a school that suits families looking for a large, inclusive primary with strong SEND support, a good Ofsted rating and a broad extracurricular offer, set in a community where the school is clearly a popular local option.

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