Parkend Primary School

About Parkend Primary School

Parkend Primary School is a small state primary in the Forest of Dean, currently teaching 60 pupils against a capacity of 70. That leaves some physical headroom, but the school is clearly in demand: for its 9 Reception places in the 2025/26 admissions round, it received 39 applications, making it oversubscribed with a ratio of 4.33 applicants per place. Of those, 9 put it as their first preference, and 8 first-preference offers were made. The school’s intake reflects a higher-than-average level of disadvantage locally — 23.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, compared with a national primary average of around 23.8% and a Gloucestershire average that tends to sit lower. This is a genuinely mixed community school, non-denominational and co-educational, serving children from age 4 to 11 under headteacher Katharine Burke. Its size means classes are small, and the pupil-teacher dynamic is likely close-knit, which may appeal to families looking for a more personal primary experience.

Academically, Parkend punches well above its weight. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 88% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined — well above the local authority average of 59%. The school ranks 2nd out of 39 primaries in the Forest of Dean on this measure, placing it in the top 5% nationally. Results at the higher standard are also strong: 38% achieved greater depth in reading, writing and maths, with reading particularly notable at 63% reaching the higher threshold. Average scaled scores were 112 in reading and 111 in maths. This represents a significant turnaround from the school’s previous Ofsted inspection in 2021, when it was rated Requires Improvement across the board. In its most recent graded inspection in February 2024, Ofsted awarded an overall Good, with Outstanding marks for behaviour and attitudes, and for leadership and management. Early years provision and the quality of education were both rated Good.

The school offers a solid range of facilities for its size, including an ICT suite, library, sensory room, gymnasium, playing fields and an outdoor playground. Sports provision covers tennis, cricket, swimming and athletics, and there are clubs for drama, choir, chess, coding, eco and art. SEND support is in place for pupils with specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, speech and language needs, and social, emotional and mental health challenges. The school does not have a nursery or sixth form, and is not a boarding school. Given its strong academic outcomes, small classes and clear oversubscription, Parkend is a good fit for families who prioritise a close community primary with proven results, particularly those living within the Forest of Dean catchment who can secure a place. The high first-preference ratio suggests it is a popular local choice, so early application is advisable.

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