Sir Martin Frobisher Academy

About Sir Martin Frobisher Academy

Sir Martin Frobisher Academy is a primary school in Tendring that stands out sharply against the local authority average for its type. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 80% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with an Essex LA average of 62%. That is a significant gap, placing the school in the top 25% nationally and ranking it 3rd out of 33 primary schools in Tendring. The school also outperforms on the higher standard, with 10% of pupils achieving that level in all three subjects. Reading is a particular strength: 50% of pupils reached the higher standard, and the average reading score was 108. Maths followed closely with an average score of 106 and 30% hitting the higher threshold. These results are especially notable given the school's context — 75.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the national average.

The school's most recent Ofsted inspection in July 2025 saw it upgraded from Requires Improvement to Good overall, though the inspection was a section 8 and the overall effectiveness was not formally judged. The breakdown is impressive: early years provision and personal development were both rated Outstanding, while leadership and management also achieved Outstanding. Behaviour and attitudes, and quality of education, were both rated Good. This represents a clear turnaround from the previous graded inspection in June 2023, which had judged the school Requires Improvement across most areas. Parent View responses from 23 respondents show strong support: 78% strongly agreed or agreed that their child is happy, and 83% strongly agreed or agreed that their child feels safe. However, opinions were more divided on behaviour — 65% strongly agreed or agreed that pupils are well behaved, while 31% disagreed or strongly disagreed.

The school offers a broad range of facilities including a forest school, sensory room, art studios, music rooms and an ICT suite. Sports include gymnastics, cross country, rounders, athletics, cricket and football, and clubs cover film, book, art and drama. SEND provision is well-developed, with support for specific learning difficulties, moderate and severe learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech and language communication needs, hearing impairment and autistic spectrum disorder. The school was oversubscribed for 2025/26, with 23 applications for 21 places and 18 first-preference offers. With a capacity of 270 but only 185 pupils on roll, there is room for growth. This is a school that delivers strong academic outcomes in a challenging context, and would suit families who value a supportive, well-resourced environment with a clear focus on personal development and early years excellence.

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