William Read Primary Academy, Canvey Island

In its own words: "Therefore, it is not necessary to wait to receive an application form or letter in the post. You can access information and apply online or apply using a paper form. As of 1 st April, Mid-year admissions are processed directly by the school (not for Reception)."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Thank you for showing an interest in our school. William Read Primary Academy is part of the Northwick Park Multi Academy Trust. The education and care of the children at our school is based on high expectations and we continually work to raise standards. High quality education at William Read Primary Academy will be achieved by:"

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, tennis, athletics, dance and Lego.

Coming up: an open day on Thursday 5 November 2026 at 10am, an open day on Friday 6 November 2026 and an open day on Monday 9 November 2026. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 63% of Year 6 pupils at William Read Primary Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 69% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 78% and 76% in Essex and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 80% in reading and 82% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 31 families put William Read Primary Academy as their first choice and 104 named it as one of their preferences, for 30 places offered. That is slightly more first choices than places. 6 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to William Read Primary Academy are Canvey Primary School and Nursery (0.3 miles, Good, 80% reading, 87% maths); Canvey Island Infant School and Nursery (0.3 miles, Good); St Joseph's Catholic Primary School and Nursery (0.4 miles, Good, 81% reading, 78% maths); and Northwick Park Primary and Nursery Academy (0.6 miles, Good, 78% reading, 89% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than William Read Primary Academy.

William Read Primary Academy is one of 3 schools run by Northwick Park Trust, an academy trust.

32 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about William Read Primary Academy (as of September 2025): 88% would recommend the school, 94% say their child is happy there and 80% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (94%); the weakest, that the school supports their child's wider development (72%).

6.9% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The nearest railway station is Benfleet Rail Station, about 1.8 miles away in a straight line.

7 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Jones Corner (w-bound), 20 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 209 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Essex (97), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, William Read Primary Academy issued 2 suspensions, 1 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to William Read Primary Academy are Castle View School (0.7 miles) and The Cornelius Vermuyden School (0.7 miles).