Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School, Ipswich

Ofsted's report card from its 6 January 2026 inspection grades Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School on 7 areas: 7 strong standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Achievement - Strong standard. "Pupils typically attain above national averages at key assessment points, for example in the end of key stage 2 tests, the Year 4 multiplication check and the Year 1 phonics check."

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Pupils attend school very frequently."

Curriculum and teaching - Strong standard. "Leaders have ensured that the school has a well-considered curriculum, which they regularly revisit."

Early years - Strong standard. "Children start reading and writing from the very start of Reception and consequently are well prepared for Year 1 with secure phonics knowledge."

Inclusion - Strong standard. "The school has high aspirations for all pupils."

Leadership and governance - Strong standard. "Leaders have a clear understanding of the strengths in the school and are passionate to continue to improve."

Personal development and wellbeing - Strong standard. "Pupils are very well prepared for the next stage in their education."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "• Leaders and those responsible for governance should sustain the effectiveness of their work in all areas. They should seek continued improvement, overcoming barriers and challenges, in order to drive a transformational impact for all pupils. This includes disadvantaged pupils, those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, those who are known (or previously known) to children's social care, and those who may face other barriers to their learning and/or wellbeing".

From the headteacher's welcome: "At Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School, we strive to ensure that all children feel happy, safe, secure and truly valued as individuals in our school family. Our vibrant and exciting curriculum embraces the community in which we are situated, recognising local history, heritage, geography and, most importantly, the aspirations of all our children."

The school runs after-school care.

Coming up: an open day on Monday 9 November 2026, an open day on Tuesday 10 November 2026, an open day on Wednesday 3 February 2027 and an open day on Saturday 20 March 2027. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 96% of Year 6 pupils at Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 88% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 72% in Suffolk and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (90% in reading, 90% in maths).

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 20 families put Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School as their first choice and 30 named it as one of their preferences, for 20 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. 1 family who put it first was not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School are Nacton Church of England Primary School (2 miles, Good, 80% reading, 73% maths); Holbrook Primary School (2.2 miles, Good, 86% reading, 71% maths); Shotley Community Primary School (2.6 miles, Good, 64% reading, 73% maths); and Ravenswood Community Primary School (2.7 miles, 80% reading, 71% maths).

Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School's 2025 results were higher than all 4 of them.

Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School is one of 21 schools run by St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust, an academy trust.

29 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School (as of April 2026): 100% would recommend the school, 100% say their child is happy there and 100% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (100%); the weakest, that they are kept well informed about progress (97%).

3.4% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 12 pupils (10.3%) received SEN support and 3 (2.6%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School had 9 teachers in 2026, one for every 14 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Harwich International Rail Station, about 3.7 miles away in a straight line.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Woodlands (adjacent), 160 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 4 crimes within a mile of the school, most often criminal damage and arson, vehicle crime and violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Suffolk (32).

Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.