Pakefield Primary School

About Pakefield Primary School

Pakefield Primary School is a state primary in the Suffolk local authority, serving 311 pupils aged 3 to 11 in East Suffolk. Within the local area, it sits among a competitive group of schools; the top-performing peers in the same LA include Stratford St Mary Primary School, Somerleyton Primary School, and Wenhaston Primary School, each with a ranking score of 89 or above. Pakefield itself ranks 39th out of 72 primary schools in East Suffolk, placing it in the bottom half of the LA’s schools on the KS2 reading, writing and maths expected standard metric. For context, there are 14 outstanding-rated primaries across the whole of Suffolk, and the nearest one to Pakefield is Carlton Colville Primary School, 2.6 km away. The school has a non-religious character and is led by headteacher Ryan Stevens. It is oversubscribed for the 2025/26 intake, receiving 50 applications for 29 places, with all first-preference applicants offered a spot.

Academically, Pakefield’s most recent Ofsted inspection in 2021 rated the school Good overall, a notable improvement from its previous Requires Improvement rating in 2017. The inspection gave Outstanding marks for personal development and for behaviour and attitudes, while quality of education, early years provision, and leadership and management were all judged Good. At KS2 in the 2023/24 academic year, 59% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, just above the Suffolk LA average of 58%. Reading and writing saw stronger results, with 75% and 77% of pupils reaching the expected standard respectively, and average scores of 105 in reading and 103 in maths. However, only 2% of pupils achieved the higher standard across all three subjects, and maths higher attainment was 16%. Progress scores are not available in the data, so it is difficult to gauge how much value the school adds relative to pupils’ starting points.

The school offers a broad range of facilities including a sports hall, gymnasium, library, music rooms, sensory room, and even a chapel, alongside an outdoor playground and dining hall. Sports provision covers football, dance, athletics, cross country and netball, and there are clubs such as book club, eco club, coding and film club. SEND support is available for pupils with specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and other difficulties. With nursery provision on site, it suits families looking for continuity from age 3 through to Year 6. The school is oversubscribed but manageable, with a ratio of 1.72 applications per place, and all first-preference families secured a spot last year. It is a solid, improving option for local families who prioritise strong behaviour and personal development, and who are comfortable with a school that sits in the middle of the LA rankings.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Pakefield Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents