Somersham Primary School

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

Church Lane, Lower Somersham, Ipswich, IP8 4PNOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Somersham Primary School is a primary school in Ipswich for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 357 schools in Suffolk. It ranks 25th of 55 primary schools in Ipswich. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in January 2020.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 15 January 2020, report published 5 February 2020

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 March 2025

Pupils enjoy coming to school and feel part of a close, supportive community. They describe feeling happy and safe. They know that adults will help them if they have any worries. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong. Pupils trust the adults in school to look after them. The school has high expectations for all pupils. Staff help pupils to aim high and inspire them to believe in themselves. Pupils know that their learning matters and are proud of the effort they put into their work. Staff encourage pupils to try their best and not give up. This enables them to feel confident and prepared for their next stage of learning. Behaviour around the school is calm and respectful. Pupils are polite to adults and each other. They enjoy earning 'shout-outs' and ACE awards for demonstrating the school's values. The school's ACE 'particles' encourage pupils to be responsible, independent and caring. These values are part of everyday life at school. Through projects like the 'real-life curriculum' and roles such as librarians and lunchtime helpers, pupils are given chances to take responsibility and help others. This builds their confidence and a strong sense of belonging to the school community.

What the school should improve

  • In some subjects, teachers do not consistently use information about what pupils have learned and remembered over time. As a result, teachers sometimes do not adapt learning to address any gaps in pupils' knowledge. The school should ensure that assessment information is used effectively so teachers can make informed decisions about pupils' next steps.
  • The curriculum does not provide pupils with sufficient opportunities to explore the range of cultures and beliefs that exist in modern Britain. As a result, pupils' cultural understanding lacks depth. The school should ensure that pupils build a richer and more meaningful knowledge of life in modern Britain so they are better prepared for the diverse society in which they live.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

16 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths56%

56%, 6 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths6%

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

Reading, average scaled score108

108, 2 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score101

101, 4 below the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score103

103, 2 below the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

72 pupils on roll, with places for 105

Eligible for free school meals11.1%

11.1%, 15.4 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language2.8%

2.8%, 18.8 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support23.6%

23.6%, 8.8 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan4.2%

4.2%, 1.8 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Somersham Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Elmsett Church of England Primary School2 milesOfsted judgements: Good38% met the expected standard
Bramford Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School2 milesOfsted: Good54% met the expected standard
Claydon Primary School3 milesOfsted: Good57% met the expected standard
Ringshall School3 milesOfsted: Good88% met the expected standard
Hintlesham and Chattisham Church of England Primary School3 milesOfsted: Good57% 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
Miss Diane Turner
Address
Church Lane, Lower Somersham, Ipswich, IP8 4PN
Local authority
Suffolk
URN
124609

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.