Debden Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary Academy, Saffron Walden

In its own words: ""That they may have life in all its fullness ." John 10:10 At our school, we understand "living life in all its fullness" as nurturing a life where everyone can flourish. It is not only about personal growth and achievement, but also about helping others to thrive."

The school runs after-school care.

Coming up: an open day on Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 9.15am. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 83% of Year 6 pupils at Debden Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 78% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 78% and 76% in Essex and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 86% in reading and 81% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 14 families put Debden Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary Academy as their first choice and 39 named it as one of their preferences, for 14 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Debden Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary Academy are Katherine Semar Junior School (2.3 miles, Outstanding, 88% reading, 91% maths); Katherine Semar Infant School (2.3 miles, Outstanding); Newport Primary School (2.3 miles, Good, 37% reading, 37% maths); and Wimbish Primary Academy (2.7 miles, 36% reading, 45% maths).

Debden Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary Academy's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 2 schools.

Debden Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary Academy is one of 2 schools run by Great Oak Multi Academy Trust, an academy trust.

9.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 6.4% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (84%) and Black (5%).

In 2026, 24 pupils (17.1%) received SEN support and 4 (2.9%) 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 speech, language and communication needs.

Debden Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary Academy had 10 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 Newport (Essex) Rail Station, about 2.1 miles away in a straight line.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Primary School (outside), 20 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 1 crime within a mile of the school, most often anti-social behaviour. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Essex (97).

In 2024/25, Debden Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary Academy issued 2 suspensions, 1.4 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.