Parks Primary School

About Parks Primary School

Parks Primary School in Leicester is a state primary for children aged 3 to 11, and it is currently running very close to full capacity with 451 pupils against a school capacity of 466. The school serves a community with a notably high proportion of children eligible for free school meals, at 38.8%, which is well above the national average for primary schools. This context makes its strong demand signal all the more striking: for the 2025/26 academic year, the school received 101 total applications for just 60 places, with all 60 first-preference applicants being offered a spot. That oversubscription ratio of 1.68 tells you this is a school local families are actively seeking out. The school is non-religious, with no specific religious character, and is led by headteacher Caroline Evans. It also offers nursery provision, so children can join from age three.

Academically, Parks Primary is a standout performer in Leicester. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2024, it was rated Outstanding across every graded category: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This is a school that has held an Outstanding rating since at least its previous inspection in 2014. At Key Stage 2 in the 2023/24 academic year, 84% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to a local authority average of just 62%. That places Parks 4th out of 68 primary schools in Leicester, putting it in the top 6% nationally. Reading scores were particularly strong, with a 97% expected standard rate and an average score of 111, while maths saw 90% at expected and an average score of 108. The proportion of pupils reaching the higher standard in reading, writing and maths combined was 19%.

The school backs up its academic results with a solid set of facilities, including a sports hall, gymnasium, art studios, ICT suite, playing fields and a chapel. Sports on offer include football, cricket, rounders, dance, gymnastics and athletics, and there are clubs for drama, book club and choir. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists support for specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and visual impairment. Parent feedback is overwhelmingly positive: 96% of the 28 respondents to the Parent View survey would recommend the school, with 82% strongly agreeing that their child is happy there and 75% strongly agreeing their child feels safe. This is a school that suits families who want strong academic outcomes in a diverse, inclusive setting, and who are prepared to compete for a place in a popular local school.

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