Merrydale Junior School

About Merrydale Junior School

Parents at Merrydale Junior School are overwhelmingly positive about their experience, with 90% of respondents to the Ofsted Parent View survey saying they would recommend the school. The survey, which ran from September 2024 to September 2025 and gathered 108 responses, paints a picture of a school where children are happy and feel safe. A combined 95% of parents either agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy, and 98% said the same about safety. Behaviour is another strong point, with 92% of parents agreeing the school ensures pupils are well behaved. The school is also popular locally, operating at near full capacity with 359 pupils against a capacity of 360, though the data doesn't include an oversubscription ratio. For parents of children with special educational needs, 82% of those who responded felt the school provides the support their child needs, which aligns with the school's broad range of SEND provisions covering areas from dyslexia to autistic spectrum disorder.

Academically, Merrydale Junior School is a solid but not standout performer within Leicester. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 51% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is below the local authority average of 62%. The school ranks 51st out of 68 primary schools in Leicester, placing it in the bottom half of the local league table. Looking at individual subjects, 72% of pupils met the expected standard in maths, with an average score of 104, while reading saw 63% at expected with an average score of 103. Writing was the weakest area, with only 56% reaching the expected standard and just 1% achieving a higher standard. The school's most recent graded Ofsted inspection in 2019 rated it Good overall, and a subsequent ungraded inspection in March 2025 confirmed that standards are being maintained, with all inspected categories rated Good including behaviour, personal development and leadership.

The school offers a practical, well-equipped environment for its 7 to 11 year old pupils. Facilities include a sports hall, library, art studios, a sensory room and a forest school area, and there is a strong extracurricular programme with clubs covering drama, coding, choir, science and film. Sports provision is broad, with swimming, athletics, cricket, football and tennis among the options. The school's SEND provision is comprehensive, with dedicated support for nine different categories of need including speech and language, hearing and visual impairments, and social and emotional mental health. For families considering Merrydale, it is a non-denominational state school with no religious character, and it does not have a nursery or sixth form. It will suit parents who prioritise a happy, safe environment and strong pastoral care over top-tier academic results, and who value a school that is responsive to a wide range of additional needs.

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