North Primary School and Nursery
108%
Capacity
455
Pupils
1.5x
Demand
About North Primary School and Nursery
North Primary School and Nursery is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Colchester community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 455 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (108% of 420 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated North Primary School and Nursery "Good", the school is led by headteacher Alan Garnett, it falls under Essex local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 52% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — below the national average. Additionally, ranked 10314th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 38th out of 51 in Colchester.
North Primary School and Nursery is a popular choice with families — it received 91 applications for 59 places, making it 1.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 57 were first-preference applications.
North Primary School and Nursery has average reviews on SchoolParrot (3.0/5 from 1 parents).
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 North Primary School and Nursery include Dining Hall, Music Rooms, Library, Sensory Room, Forest School, ICT Suite, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Football, Gymnastics, Cricket and 3 more, as well as clubs including Eco Club, Chess, Gardening.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 21.0%, which is close to the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Colchester, North Primary School and Nursery 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 | John Harper Street, Colchester, Colchester, CO1 1RP |
| Headteacher | Alan Garnett |
| Local Authority | Essex |
| Number of Pupils | 455 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 21.0% |
| School Capacity | 455 / 420 (108% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
29 Mar 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (29 Mar 2023): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 18 Oct 2012. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (52%)
10314th of 13,686
Nationally
1134th of 1,612
In East of England
38th of 51
In Colchester
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
52%
Expected Standard
3%
Higher Standard
'22/23
54%
'23/24
52%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
10Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed59
91
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
57 families put this school as their 1st choice (63% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Primary School and Nursery
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
John Harper Street, Colchester
Colchester, CO1 1RP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
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