John Ray Junior School
Notley Road, Braintree, CM7 1HLOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
John Ray Junior School is a primary school in Braintree for ages 7 to 11. It is one of the 604 schools in Essex. It ranks 11th of 16 primary schools in Braintree. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in March 2020.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 10 March 2020, report published 10 May 2020
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 4 March 2025
This is a kind and welcoming school. Pupils' behaviour reflects the high expectations set by school staff. As such, pupils have the school's 'three rights' fulfilled, to be safe and feel safe, to learn and to have respect. Pupils enjoy coming to school and attend regularly. They love their lessons and are very attentive throughout. The school aspires for every pupil to achieve their very best. As a result, pupils achieve well in most subjects. Pupils have many experiences that enhance their learning. These include a visit to an indoor planetarium and a Stone Age day. The school's rich array of experiences, such as live music, theatre and singing in national events, broaden pupils' horizons and help develop their talents and interests. Pupils also take part in numerous sporting activities as well as clubs such as yoga, martial arts and drawing. These activities help pupils extend their talents and interests. All pupils have the chance to take on meaningful leadership roles. These roles include playground buddies, well-being counsellors, school councillors, head ambassadors and eco-team members. These roles enable pupils to play a purposeful role in the school community. Pupils are extremely proud to take on these responsibilities.
What the school should improve
- In a few subjects, teachers do not help pupils deepen their understanding of some of the more complex knowledge and content pupils need to learn. As a result, pupils do not learn, understand or use this complex knowledge and content as quickly as they could. The school should ensure that teachers help pupils develop their understanding of more complex knowledge and content across all subjects.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
108 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
439 pupils on roll, with places for 432
Schools near John Ray Junior School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Ray Infant School | 0.1 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| St Michael's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good | 52% met the expected standard |
| Notley Green Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 66% met the expected standard |
| St Francis Catholic Primary School, Braintree | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 83% met the expected standard |
| White Court School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 64% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- THE COMPASS PARTNERSHIP OF SCHOOLS
- Age range
- 7 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Miss Karen Harrison
- Phone
- 01376324107
- Address
- Notley Road, Braintree, CM7 1HL
- Local authority
- Essex
- URN
- 143538
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.