Bidborough Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Spring Lane, Bidborough, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0UEOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Bidborough Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School is a primary school in Tunbridge Wells for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 692 schools in Kent. It ranks 12th of 22 primary schools in Tunbridge Wells. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in July 2013.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 10 July 2013, report published 9 September 2013
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 9 November 2022
Pupils feel happy and safe and are well cared for in this school. They form strong relationships with one another and with staff. Older pupils act as 'buddies' and support younger pupils. One pupil said, 'Buddies make us feel happy because we have someone to play with.' Pupils learn about how to enjoy their lives but also how to deal with life when things are harder. A culture of care pervades the school. Leaders are ambitious. They have high expectations for every pupil. They have made sure that the school curriculum matches pupils' needs and interests. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive helpful support in lessons. This allows them to learn confidently alongside their peers. One parent's comment, 'This is a wonderful school, it is very inclusive and allows children to feel part of a wider family,' reflects the views of many. Pupils behave well across the school. They are courteous and respectful and enjoy spending time with one another. On the rare occasion that bullying happens, adults swiftly resolve this. Children in the early years settle quickly into life in school because of the well-established routines in place.
What the school should improve
- Some pupils do not develop the knowledge needed to succeed in lessons beyond English and mathematics. Teachers have good knowledge of what has been taught but do not always check what has been retained by pupils. Leaders need to refine teachers' assessment of pupils' understanding in subjects beyond English and mathematics so they are better informed of what their pupils have retained and can build the next steps on that.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
29 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
200 pupils on roll, with places for 210
Schools near Bidborough Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southborough CofE Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 73% met the expected standard |
| Speldhurst Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | 81% met the expected standard |
| St Augustine's Catholic Primary School | 2 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | 56% met the expected standard |
| St Matthew's High Brooms Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | 59% met the expected standard |
| St John's Church of England Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 70% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Voluntary controlled school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mrs Julie Burton
- Phone
- 01892529333
- Address
- Spring Lane, Bidborough, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0UE
- Local authority
- Kent
- URN
- 118598
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.