Overdale Junior School

About Overdale Junior School

Overdale Junior School is a state primary in Leicester that serves 480 pupils, just ten shy of its official capacity of 490, suggesting it is running very close to full. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 12.9%, which is notably lower than the national average for primary schools and indicates a relatively less disadvantaged intake compared with many schools in the city. The school is non-denominational and co-educational, catering for children aged seven to eleven. While the data does not include specific admission oversubscription figures, the fact that the school is operating at 98% capacity implies strong local demand. This is a school that appears to be comfortably full without being overcrowded, drawing from families who are actively choosing it as their preferred option within Leicester’s primary landscape.

Academically, Overdale Junior School performs well above the local authority average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 69% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with the Leicester average of 62%. The school ranks 23rd out of 68 primary schools in the city, placing it in the top third locally and the top 50% nationally. Reading and maths average scores both sit at 107, comfortably above the national benchmark of 100, while 84% of pupils met the expected standard in maths specifically. At the higher standard, 11% achieved the top level across all three subjects. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in 2022 rated it Good overall, with leadership and management also judged Good. This represents a clear improvement from its previous inspection in 2011, when it was rated Requires Improvement.

The school offers a solid range of facilities including a library, art studios, music rooms, a forest school area, a sensory room and an ICT suite. Sports provision covers netball, gymnastics, athletics, cricket and cross country, while extracurricular clubs include book club, coding, science club, chess and eco club. For families with children who have additional needs, Overdale provides support for a wide range of conditions including dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social and emotional needs, speech and language challenges, hearing impairment and autistic spectrum disorder. There is no nursery or sixth form, as the school is strictly junior provision. Given its strong but not elite academic profile, good facilities and broad SEND support, Overdale is a strong fit for families seeking a well-run, inclusive junior school within Leicester that delivers above-average outcomes without the pressure of a selective or outstanding-rated environment.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Overdale Junior School

Helpful Guides for Parents