Orchards Junior School

About Orchards Junior School

Orchards Junior School’s headline metrics sit slightly above the West Sussex local authority average for primary schools, but the gap is narrow. The school’s percentage of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined (RWM) stands at 58%, compared with the LA average of 56%. That two-point difference places Orchards in the bottom half of schools nationally, at the 61st percentile, and 12th out of 16 schools in Worthing. Its ranking score of 58 puts it well behind the top local peers like Barns Green Primary School (86) and Heron Way Primary School (86). So while Orchards is not underperforming relative to its immediate authority, it is not a standout performer either — it is a solidly average school in a county where only seven out of 226 primary schools have earned an Outstanding Ofsted rating.

Academic outcomes at Orchards show a mixed picture. In reading, 78% of pupils met the expected standard and 28% reached the higher standard, with an average score of 105. Writing saw 77% at expected and 11% at the higher level. Maths was weaker: 68% at expected and 18% at higher, with an average score of 103. The proportion of pupils achieving the higher standard across all three subjects (RWM) was just 3%, which is low. Progress scores are not available in the data, so it is hard to say whether pupils are improving faster or slower than peers elsewhere. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in March 2024 was ungraded, confirming it remains Good — a rating it has held since at least its 2018 graded inspection, when leadership and management were also judged Good. The previous graded inspection in 2010 also rated overall effectiveness as Good, so the school has maintained a consistent standard over time.

Orchards Junior School serves a notably disadvantaged catchment, with 32.8% of pupils eligible for free school meals — well above the national average. The school offers a wide range of SEND provisions, including support for autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language needs, hearing impairment, physical disability, and social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Facilities include a sensory room, forest school, gymnasium, sports hall, playing fields and a chapel. Clubs cover gardening, drama, book club and coding, while sports include gymnastics, rounders, swimming and dance. With 476 pupils against a capacity of 558, the school is not oversubscribed, which may appeal to families seeking a less pressured entry point. This is a school that suits parents who value consistent Good-rated provision, strong SEND support, and a broad extracurricular offer, rather than top-tier academic results or a selective atmosphere.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Orchards Junior School

Helpful Guides for Parents