The Queen Anne Royal Free CofE Controlled First School

About The Queen Anne Royal Free CofE Controlled First School

The Queen Anne Royal Free CofE Controlled First School received a Requires Improvement rating in its most recent Ofsted inspection, which took place in 2024. This marks a change from its previous inspection in 2010, when it was judged Good overall. The 2024 inspection was a graded inspection, but the overall effectiveness was recorded as Not Judged, meaning the school was not given a single overall grade. However, the inspection did grade several individual areas: quality of education was rated Requires Improvement, while early years provision, personal development, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management were all rated Good. The school’s most informative exam metric is its Key Stage 2 performance. The local authority average for pupils meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and maths is 64%. The Queen Anne Royal Free’s own KS2 results are not provided in the data, so it is not possible to say how it compares to this LA average. What is clear is that the school is small, with 147 pupils against a capacity of 150, and it serves a relatively low proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals at 6.1%.

The school’s academic outcomes are best understood through its Ofsted breakdown and the limited exam data available. The quality of education was the only area rated Requires Improvement, which suggests that while the school’s leadership and pastoral care are strong, the core teaching and curriculum may need attention. The early years provision was rated Good, which is a positive sign for children starting in Reception. The school is a first school, meaning it covers ages 4 to 9, so pupils leave at the end of Year 4 rather than Year 6. This means KS2 SATs data, which is typically measured at the end of Year 6, may not apply directly. The school’s parent view survey, based on 54 responses, shows that 89% of parents would recommend the school. However, there are mixed views on specific areas: 36% of parents agreed and 36% disagreed that the school gives SEND children the support they need, and only 11% strongly agreed that bullying is dealt with quickly and effectively, with 17% disagreeing.

Practical context is important for families considering this school. The school is heavily oversubscribed: for the 2025/26 intake, it received 130 applications for 30 places, an oversubscription ratio of 4.33, and only 27 of those places went to first-preference applicants. This means securing a place is competitive, and families should be aware of the admission criteria. The school offers a range of facilities including a forest school, music rooms, art studios, a sports hall and a chapel, reflecting its Church of England foundation. Clubs include choir, art, eco club, gardening, drama and chess, and sports on offer are tennis, football, gymnastics and dance. The school has identified SEND provisions for social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication, autistic spectrum disorder, and other difficulties or disabilities. This school may suit families who value a small, church-affiliated first school with strong pastoral care and a broad range of activities, but who are prepared for the competitive admissions process and the current Requires Improvement rating for quality of education.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About The Queen Anne Royal Free CofE Controlled First School

Helpful Guides for Parents