Finchingfield St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy, Braintree

In its own words: "Our vision is to create an environment that nourishes and nurtures a healthy body, soul and mind awaken ing our inherent curiosity for learning and compassion for humanity. This requires placing value on our physical, emotional and spiritual health and recognis ing life as a precious gift to be carefully nurtured and valued."

From the headteacher's welcome: "It is with great pleasure we welcome you to Finchingfield St John the Baptist Church of England Primary Academy and Nursery. Our academy is a proud member of Canonium Learning Trust, a dynamic community of schools with a shared mission to provide every child with the best education possible . Every child is warmly welcomed into our school."

The school runs a breakfast club from 7:30am and after-school care until 6:00pm, from £5 per day.

In 2024, 83% of Year 6 pupils at Finchingfield St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 83% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 75% in Essex and 76% and 74% across England.

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

For September 2026 entry, 13 families put Finchingfield St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy as their first choice and 23 named it as one of their preferences, for 13 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 Finchingfield St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy are Great Bardfield Primary School (1.5 miles, Good, 70% reading, 70% maths); Wethersfield CofE VC Primary School (1.6 miles, Good, 88% reading, 88% maths); Great Sampford Community Primary School (3.2 miles, Good, 92% reading, 75% maths); and Shalford Primary School (3.6 miles, Good, 87% reading, 93% maths).

Finchingfield St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy is one of 12 schools run by Canonium Learning Trust, an academy trust.

30 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Finchingfield St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy (as of September 2025): 93% would recommend the school, 100% say their child is happy there and 63% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that they are kept well informed about progress (100%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (63%).

12.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 0% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (87%) and Mixed (7%).

In 2026, 19 pupils (26.8%) received SEN support and 2 (2.8%) 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.

Finchingfield St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy had 5 teachers in 2026, one for every 11 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Finchingfield St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Kempe Road (opposite), 200 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 7 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and other theft. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Essex (97).

Finchingfield St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.