Shenfield St. Mary's Church of England Primary School Review 2026: Elite primary outcomes with a clear Church of England ethos

This is a results-led school, and the numbers justify the reputation.

In 2024, 93.67% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to the England average of 62%. In science, 98% met the expected standard, above the England average of 82%.

At the higher standard, 55.67% achieved greater depth across reading, writing and maths, compared with an England average of 8%. That is an unusually high “greater depth” profile and typically indicates both strong core teaching and consistent curriculum sequencing over time.

The school’s FindMySchool primary ranking also signals sustained strength: ranked 144th in England and 2nd in Brentwood for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), it sits among the highest-performing schools in England (top 2%). Parents comparing nearby primaries can use the FindMySchool Local Hub Comparison Tool to see these outcomes side-by-side, rather than relying on reputation alone.

Curriculum design is described as detailed and carefully built over time, with clear sequencing so that knowledge and skills accumulate and pupils can produce higher-quality work as they move through the school.

The inspection evidence highlights strong early reading and mathematics foundations, with children in Reception developing core knowledge and routines quickly, and being well prepared for Year 1. That matters for parents because it suggests the school prioritises early foundations rather than leaving gaps to be fixed later.

SEND practice is positioned as a leadership strength. The approach described is about adapting tasks so pupils with SEND can access the full curriculum, supported by staff training and clear guidance for classroom practice. Families who want high academic expectations but also need confidence that learning differences are identified and supported should read this as a meaningful part of the school’s model, not an add-on.

As a primary, the key question is transition and readiness rather than headline destination statistics. The school places clear emphasis on preparing pupils for secondary school, including structured work on managing worries, independence, and the practical changes that come with moving settings.

For Shenfield families, nearby comprehensive options include Shenfield High School, which publishes its Year 7 admissions criteria and September 2026 entry arrangements through its own official website. Many families in the wider Brentwood area also consider faith and selective pathways elsewhere in Essex, depending on the child and the household’s preferences.

Admissions are coordinated through Essex Local Authority, with the statutory closing date for primary applications set at 15 January for September entry.

Competition is real. The latest admissions results shows 184 applications for 60 offers, which equates to about 3.07 applications per place. The school is therefore operating in an oversubscribed context, and families should plan accordingly.

Because this is a Church of England school, faith-based criteria form part of the published oversubscription policy. For some categories, priority depends on residence within the Parish of Shenfield and documented worship attendance at St Mary’s Church, Shenfield, at least monthly for the 12 months before the January closing date. The Essex policy directory also notes that families who want their application considered under the worship-based criteria should submit a Supplementary Information Form by the same 15 January deadline.

The school also promotes tours for prospective Reception families, and for September 2026 entry it has published tour dates and booking instructions. If the listed dates have passed or filled, treat this as an indicator of typical timing (late autumn into early January) and check the school’s admissions page for the next available schedule.

Families shortlisting seriously should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their exact distance and practical commute options. Even where faith criteria apply, distance can still become the deciding factor within oversubscribed categories.

The latest Ofsted inspection judged safeguarding arrangements effective, with staff described as vigilant, prompt to report concerns, and quick to secure external support when needed.

Wider wellbeing is also framed through the Church school lens. The September 2025 SIAMS inspection describes a culture of belonging and prioritised wellbeing, with collective worship positioned as inclusive and reflective, and pupils encouraged to engage with questions of fairness and injustice. For families who want faith to be present but not coercive, the school’s own collective worship documentation emphasises an invitational approach, with participation encouraged but not forced.

Extra-curricular breadth is unusually clear because the school publishes a named list of clubs that rotate by term. Examples include Choir, Orchestra, Chess, Gardening, Spanish, Young Engineers, ComputerXplorers, and a range of sport clubs including football, netball, tennis, cricket, and gymnastics. The point is not simply variety, it is that pupils can develop real continuity in an interest, whether that is music, engineering, or competitive sport.

Sport looks like a defined pillar rather than an occasional add-on. The school records a sustained focus on rounders over multiple years, including national finals appearances and a previous national win, plus organised competition structures at district level. For sporty pupils, that can be motivating, and for less sporty pupils it still tends to raise the baseline of participation because school culture takes fixtures and teamwork seriously.

Music and performance are also visible. Choir activity is actively maintained with performance repertoires shared to families, and orchestra is included in the published clubs list. For many children, those regular, low-stakes performance opportunities are where confidence and articulation develop, especially for pupils who are quieter in class.

The school day is structured with gates opening at 8.40am, registration at 8.50am, and the school day ending at 3.20pm for pupils.

Wraparound care is available via external providers linked to the school, including Faces Kids Club and Shenfield Day Nursery, with families directed to register with those providers directly. If you need wraparound every day, confirm availability early, as capacity and pick-up arrangements sit outside the school’s direct control.

Drop-off and pick-up logistics are treated as a safety priority. The school has published a safer parking charter, which is worth reading if you are new to the area or plan to drive regularly.

• High competition for places. The latest results shows 184 applications for 60 places, so admission is the central practical challenge for most families.

• Faith criteria are material. Worship attendance and parish residence can affect priority within the admissions policy, and some categories require a Supplementary Information Form by 15 January. Families who do not want faith to play any role in admissions should weigh that carefully.

• Wraparound is not run by the school. Breakfast and after-school provision is delivered by external providers, which can be convenient but requires earlier planning and direct liaison with the provider.

• Strong results can raise expectations. The “greater depth” profile is exceptionally high, which will suit children who enjoy pace and stretch, but some pupils may find the environment demanding if they need a slower runway in core literacy or maths.

Shenfield St. Mary’s is a high-performing Church of England primary with an unusually strong Key Stage 2 profile and a clear culture of values-led responsibility. It is best suited to families who want strong academic outcomes, are comfortable with a faith-informed school day, and are prepared to engage early with admissions. The limiting factor is admission rather than school quality, so planning timelines, forms, and practicalities is essential.