Merdon Junior School

About Merdon Junior School

Merdon Junior School in Eastleigh is a state primary for children aged 7 to 11, currently home to 230 pupils against a capacity of 256, meaning there is some headroom for growth. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 10.9%, which is broadly in line with the national average for primary schools and suggests a reasonably mixed intake. The school is non-denominational and co-educational, with Thomas Johnston as headteacher. Demand appears healthy but not overwhelming; the school is not oversubscribed to the point of turning away families, which may be a practical consideration for parents who value a slightly less pressured admissions process. The most recent Ofsted inspection in March 2025 rated the school Good overall, with Good marks for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. This continues a pattern of solid performance, as the previous inspection in 2015 also awarded a Good rating.

Academically, Merdon Junior School performs respectably within its local authority. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 65% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is above the Hampshire local authority average of 61%. The school ranks 10th out of 23 primary schools in Eastleigh on this measure, placing it in the top half of its immediate area. Looking at individual subjects, reading scores are a particular strength: the average scaled score was 108, with 88% of pupils meeting the expected standard and 32% achieving a higher standard. Maths also performed well, with an average score of 105 and 82% reaching the expected level. Writing was slightly lower, with 69% at expected and 12% at the higher standard. Nationally, the school sits around the 43rd percentile, indicating solid but not exceptional performance compared with all primaries across England.

The school offers a decent range of facilities including a sports hall, gymnasium, library, music rooms, playing fields and a sensory room, which supports its SEND provision. The school lists support for specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, speech and language needs, hearing impairment, social and emotional mental health needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. However, the Parent View responses on SEND support are notably mixed: only 34% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the school gives SEND children the support they need, while 62% disagreed or strongly disagreed. This is a significant point for parents of children with additional needs to investigate further. Clubs include book club, eco club, drama, film club, coding and art club, and sports offered range from football and netball to swimming and athletics. The school is not a boarding school and has no sixth form or nursery provision. For families seeking an Outstanding-rated alternative, Hiltingbury Infant School is 1.1 km away.

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