Freshwaters Primary Academy
School Lane, Harlow, CM20 3QAOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Freshwaters Primary Academy is a primary school in Harlow for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 604 schools in Essex. It ranks 19th of 30 primary schools in Harlow. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in April 2015.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 23 April 2015, report published 12 May 2015
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 21 January 2025
Freshwaters Primary Academy is a school that welcomes everyone. Staff quickly get to know pupils. This helps them to care effectively for pupils' individual needs. This includes pupils who speak English as an additional language. Pupils enjoy learning the school's ambitious curriculum and 'exploring together'. They achieve well as they move through the curriculum. This is because the school has high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Pupils are happy and feel safe here. Adults and pupils share strong relationships. Pupils celebrate difference and oppose any form of discrimination. They say that everyone is unique and treated equally. Pupils live out these beliefs at this inclusive school. The school also has high expectations for pupils' behaviour. They are polite and well- mannered. They value how kind and friendly the school is. There is a calm and purposeful environment in classrooms and around the school. Pupils are proud to represent the school in sports competitions. These include a local and regional basketball competition, a football tournament and on sports day. Pupils enjoy attending a range of clubs, including dodgeball, athletics, choir and dance. They are enthusiastic to talk about the visits they have made to local historical sites and museums.
What the school should improve
- In some subjects, pupils have gaps in their knowledge and understanding. As a result, in these subjects, pupils do not always develop their knowledge as well as they could and do not remember what has been taught previously. For these subjects, the school should ensure that pupils can make connections between their prior and current learning so that they can deepen their knowledge of the curriculum.
- Some pupils have low attendance. This leads to a disconnected learning experience, as it disrupts their learning. These pupils are also missing out on the effective pastoral support and personal development that the school offers. The school should explore further strategies to work with families and pupils to secure pupils' regular attendance.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
60 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
413 pupils on roll, with places for 446
Schools near Freshwaters Primary Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Downs Primary School and Nursery | 0.3 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | 52% met the expected standard |
| St Alban's Catholic Academy | 0.3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 57% met the expected standard |
| Cooks Spinney Primary Academy and Nursery | 0.6 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | 38% met the expected standard |
| Pemberley Academy | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | 67% met the expected standard |
| Tany's Dell Primary School and Nursery | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | 83% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- BMAT EDUCATION
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Miss Jackie Diggle
- Phone
- 01279454688
- Address
- School Lane, Harlow, CM20 3QA
- Local authority
- Essex
- URN
- 139398
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.