Takeley Primary School

About Takeley Primary School

Takeley Primary School is clearly a popular choice among local families. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 64 applications for just 40 places, giving it an oversubscription ratio of 1.6. Of those applications, 36 were first-preference choices, and all 36 were offered places, which suggests that families who really want a spot here tend to get one. The school currently has 352 pupils on roll against a capacity of 405, so there is some headroom, but the oversubscription figures show demand is strong. ParentView data isn't available in the school's most recent records, but the high number of first-preference applications is a solid indicator that existing families are happy with what Takeley offers. The school is a state primary for mixed-gender pupils aged 4 to 11, with no religious character, and is led by headteacher Claire Phillips.

Academically, Takeley performs above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 66% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with the Essex local authority average of 62%. That places the school 176th out of 444 primary schools in the county. In the Uttlesford district, it ranks 22nd out of 34 schools, which puts it in the middle of a competitive local pack. Looking at individual subjects, 79% met the expected standard in maths and 74% in both reading and writing. At the higher standard, 30% achieved high scores in maths and reading, though only 9% reached that level across all three subjects. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection in June 2022 rated it Good overall, with Good marks across every category including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership. That's a notable improvement from its previous Requires Improvement rating in 2018.

Takeley offers a solid range of facilities including a sensory room, sports hall, playing fields and an ICT suite. Sports provision covers gymnastics, cricket, rounders, dance, cross country, tennis and netball, while clubs include coding, science club, book club, choir and drama. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists SEND provisions for specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social emotional and mental health needs, speech language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. There is no nursery or sixth form, and it is not a boarding school. This is a good fit for families in Uttlesford who want a well-regarded local primary with strong academic outcomes above the county average, a clear improvement trajectory under Ofsted, and enough extracurricular breadth to keep children engaged. The oversubscription means applying early is wise.

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