Rodings Primary School, Dunmow

In its own words: "The phrase that best sums up what we believe in at Rodings Primary School is: Our school aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that engages and motivates all our pupils. We believe that it is essential for all children to acquire the basic social, literacy and numeracy skills necessary to become confident and effective learners."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Our school is based around the Core Values of Respect, Enjoyment, Care, Confidence and Challenge and these values are an integral part of all that we do. Our school aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that is based on high expectations and standards."

The school runs after-school care.

Coming up: an open day on Wednesday 4 November 2026, an open day on Tuesday 24 November 2026 and an open day on Friday 27 November 2026. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 70% of Year 6 pupils at Rodings Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 52% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 78% and 76% in Essex and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 85% in reading and 70% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 24 families put Rodings Primary School as their first choice and 46 named it as one of their preferences, for 30 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 Rodings Primary School are St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, Hatfield Broad Oak (3.3 miles, Requires improvement, 78% reading, 67% maths); Matching Green Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School (3.9 miles, Good, 75% reading, 67% maths); Roxwell Church of England Primary School (4.4 miles, Good, 88% reading, 82% maths); and Hatfield Heath Primary School (4.5 miles, Good, 77% reading, 84% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Rodings Primary School.

11.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 1.7% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 24 pupils (8.2%) received SEN support and 11 (3.8%) 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 social, emotional and mental health needs.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Rodings Primary School.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Rodings Primary School (outside), 40 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 2 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Essex (97).

In 2024/25, Rodings Primary School issued 9 suspensions, 3.1 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 1 permanent exclusion.