Combs Ford Primary School, Stowmarket

In its own words: "At Combs Ford Primary School, we want every child to feel valued, supported and inspired to achieve their very best. We believe that children learn best when they feel they belong, are encouraged to be ambitious, and have opportunities to explore the world around them."

From the headteacher's welcome: "We are two-form entry primary school located in Combs Ford to the south of the market town of Stowmarket where the Rivers Gipping and Rattlesden meet. We are a warm and friendly school community, working closely with our families so that our children become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens."

The school runs after-school care until 6:00pm.

In 2025, 66% of Year 6 pupils at Combs Ford Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 62% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 72% in Suffolk and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 69% in reading and 53% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 30 families put Combs Ford Primary School as their first choice and 61 named it as one of their preferences, for 33 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Combs Ford Primary School are Trinity Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School (0.2 miles, Good, 80% reading, 90% maths); Abbot's Hall Community Primary School (0.7 miles, 81% reading, 78% maths); Cedars Park Community Primary School (1 mile, Good, 85% reading, 79% maths); and Chilton Community Primary School (1.1 miles, 86% reading, 73% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Combs Ford Primary School.

Combs Ford Primary School is one of 8 schools run by The Children's Endeavour Trust, an academy trust.

83 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Combs Ford Primary School (as of September 2025): 47% would recommend the school, 68% say their child is happy there and 46% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (84%); the weakest, that the school supports their child's wider development (45%).

7% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 29 pupils (9.7%) received SEN support and 18 (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 autism.

The nearest railway station is Stowmarket Rail Station, about 0.8 miles away in a straight line.

18 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Polstead Close (opposite), 170 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Combs Ford Primary School stands in is among the 20% least deprived neighbourhoods in England. On income deprivation affecting children it is in the 7th decile, where the 1st is the most deprived. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 120 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, shoplifting and public order offences. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Suffolk (32), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Combs Ford Primary School issued 52 suspensions, 15.4 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Combs Ford Primary School are Stowmarket High School (1.3 miles) and Stowupland High School (1.7 miles).