Orchards Junior School

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 7 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Nelson Road, Worthing, BN12 6ENOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Orchards Junior School is a primary school in Worthing for ages 7 to 11. It is one of the 332 schools in West Sussex. It ranks 12th of 20 primary schools in Worthing. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in September 2018.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 11 September 2018, report published 9 October 2018

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 26 March 2024

Pupils receive many opportunities to 'sparkle' in this inclusive school. A vast range of clubs and trips develop pupils' many interests and talents. Pupils are creative. They proudly perform in whole school dance shows and impressive drama productions. The curriculum provides pupils with purposeful 'extended learning opportunities', such as visits to The Globe to watch plays that pupils explore in English lessons. The school ensures that all pupils receive a rich range of cultural experiences that extend their learning beyond the classroom. This helps pupils to be confident and articulate and eager to learn. A culture of inclusion runs through the heart of the school. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported by expert staff to achieve their best. Specialist speech and language and commnication support enables pupils with SEND in 'Aspen Class' to learn well. Specialist help enables pupils to overcome any barriers they may face to learn well. Staff insist on high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Consequently, pupils behave very well and try their best. Those that need additional help to manage their behaviour receive effective support. Pupils proudly wear many badges on their school ties as a symbol of them upholding the school's 'Sparkle' values, such as 'keep trying'.

What the school should improve

  • Reading support for those at the earlier stages of reading is not yet fully effective at identifying and closing gaps in reading knowledge and skills. This means these pupils do not learn to read as well as they should. The school must ensure that all staff have the training, expertise and resources that they need to deliver phonics effectivley in a way that helps pupils become fluent readers.
  • The school does not intervene quickly enough when pupils do not attend school well. Consequently, some pupils miss out on the many opportunities and vital education that the school provides. The school should continue to strengthen their work in ensuring that pupils get the help they need to attend regularly.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

122 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths61%

61%, 1 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths2%

2%, 6 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score105

105, 1 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score102

102, 3 below the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score104

104, 1 below the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

496 pupils on roll, with places for 558

Eligible for free school meals29.6%

29.6%, 3.1 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language14.5%

14.5%, 7.1 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support37.3%

37.3%, 22.5 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan9.7%

9.7%, 3.7 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Orchards Junior School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Orchards Infant School0.1 milesOfsted: Requires improvementNot published
English Martyrs Catholic Primary School, Worthing0.3 milesOfsted: Good47% met the expected standard
West Park CofE Primary (Controlled) School0.5 milesOfsted: Good65% met the expected standard
Hawthorns Primary School0.6 milesOfsted: Requires improvement67% met the expected standard
Goring-By-Sea CofE (Aided) Primary School0.6 milesOfsted: Good73% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
SPARKLE MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST
Age range
7 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
No
Headteacher
Paul Jones
Address
Nelson Road, Worthing, BN12 6EN
Local authority
West Sussex
URN
142381

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.