Highfields Primary School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 4 to 11
Ofsted: Outstanding

Colchester Road, Lawford, Manningtree, CO11 2BNOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Highfields Primary School is a primary school in Manningtree for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 604 schools in Essex. It ranks 38th of 387 primary schools in Essex. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in July 2016.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 5 July 2016, report published 8 September 2016

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Early years provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 November 2022

Pupils achieve exceptionally well in all curriculum subjects because leaders have high aspirations for all aspects of school life. One pupil said, 'Teachers strive to push you to your potential, and they make it seem fun.' Pupils say they are taught 'kind play' and have lots of friends. If there is any unkindness, adults rapidly sort this out. Pupils have a love of learning. Classrooms are quiet, purposeful places because learning is interesting. Pupils say that if they do not understand something, teachers take time to explain and help them. There are highly effective systems for supporting pupils' learning behaviour. Year 6 pupils said that they do not need the traffic light system anymore because, 'When we are working, everyone's heads are down and getting on with the task.' Pupils also behave exceptionally well as they move around the school, and they play well together at breaktimes. Pupils feel safe at school. They are confident to talk to adults if they have problems. They like the extra support that is available to them if they want to talk about their emotions or worries. Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school. Pupils enjoy an extensive range of after-school clubs and activities. There is excellent provision for pupils' personal development and their spiritual, social, moral and cultural development, so they are well prepared for the next stage in their education and for life in modern Britain.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

47 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths74%

74%, 12 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths9%

9%, 1 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score106

106, the same as the England average.

Maths, average scaled score106

106, 1 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score109

109, 4 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

320 pupils on roll, with places for 315

Eligible for free school meals6.3%

6.3%, 20.2 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language1.6%

1.6%, 20 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support11.6%

11.6%, 3.2 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan3.1%

3.1%, 2.9 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Highfields Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Lawford Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School0.5 milesReport card: Expected standard76% met the expected standard
Brooklands Primary School1 mileOfsted: Good71% met the expected standard
Stourview Church of England Primary Academy1 mileOfsted: Requires improvementNot published
Dedham Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School3 milesOfsted: Good83% met the expected standard
Bradfield Primary School3 milesOfsted: Good70% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
4 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
No
Headteacher
Mrs Tara Marshall
Address
Colchester Road, Lawford, Manningtree, CO11 2BN
Local authority
Essex
URN
114769

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.