Lakefield CofE Primary School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in a Severnside Village

Set in the picturesque village of Frampton on Severn, Lakefield CofE Primary School serves a close-knit community near the banks of the River Severn. The school combines a traditional village atmosphere with academic results that are significantly above the England average. As a Church of England school, its Christian character is foundational, yet it operates as an inclusive hub for local families.

The school currently caters to approximately 197 pupils across a single-form entry structure. This size allows for a personal environment where staff maintain a detailed understanding of every child's progress. With a nursery provision on-site, many children begin their journey here at age three, staying until they transition to secondary education at eleven. Proprietary FindMySchool rankings based on official 2024 academic data place the school in the top 10% of primaries in England, reflecting a culture of high expectations and consistent progress.

The atmosphere at Lakefield is one of quiet purpose and rural charm. The school is situated on Lake Lane, surrounded by the greenery of one of England's longest village greens. This connection to the local environment is a recurring theme in school life, with children often engaging in outdoor learning and community events in Frampton on Severn.

The headteacher, Mr Ian Williams, has led the school since it opened as an academy in September 2016. Under his stewardship, the school has maintained its reputation for academic rigour while strengthening its pastoral ties. The school's vision, "Working together, shining bright," is visible in the collaborative nature of the classrooms. As a Church of England institution, the school maintains close links with the local parish. Daily collective worship and a focus on values such as respect and compassion provide a moral framework that pupils use to navigate their social interactions.

Lakefield CofE Primary School delivers exceptional academic outcomes that place it among the highest-performing schools in Gloucestershire. In 2024, 86% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 62%.

The school ranks 830th in England for primary outcomes according to FindMySchool rankings. Locally, it ranks 2nd among primaries in the Gloucester area, placing it in the elite tier of local provision.

Performance at the higher standard is particularly striking. In 2024, 40% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. This indicates that the school is highly effective at stretching more able pupils. Scaled scores also reflect this strength, with an average score of 108 in reading and 109 in mathematics, both comfortably exceeding the England benchmark of 100.

The curriculum at Lakefield is designed to be ambitious and knowledge-rich. In the early years, the focus is on communication, language, and physical development, provided within the on-site nursery and reception classes. As pupils move through the school, there is a clear emphasis on core literacy and numeracy, supplemented by a broad range of foundation subjects.

The latest Ofsted inspection in June 2025 confirmed that the school continues to provide a curriculum which excites and motivates pupils to engage in their learning. Inspectors found that while the school has identified essential knowledge and skills well, leaders are continuing to refine how consistently checks on what pupils remember are implemented across all subjects. Specialized facilities like the Forest School and the reflection area are used to enhance the curriculum, particularly in supporting pupils' emotional well-being and environmental awareness.

Most leavers from Lakefield transition to secondary schools within the Gloucestershire local authority. Common destinations include Severn Vale School in Quedgeley and Maidenhill School in Stonehouse. Due to the high academic standards at Lakefield, a notable proportion of Year 6 pupils also sit the 11-plus entrance exams for Gloucestershire’s grammar schools, such as Marling School, Stroud High School, and The Crypt School. The school supports this transition with a structured handover process to ensure secondary providers are aware of each child's academic and pastoral history.

Admissions are coordinated by Gloucestershire County Council. Lakefield is a popular choice and is currently oversubscribed. For the most recent intake, there were 37 applications for 26 available places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.42.

For admission to Reception in September 2026, parents must submit their Common Application Form to the local authority no later than 15 January 2026. Priority is given to looked-after children, those with an EHCP naming the school, and siblings of current pupils. As a voluntary controlled school, the local authority's criteria typically prioritize distance from the school gates once the initial categories are met. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Lakefield CofE Primary School does not charge tuition fees. However, some associated costs apply for optional extras and wraparound care.

• Nursery Fees: For information on nursery fees for hours exceeding the 15 or 30 hours of government-funded childcare, parents are directed to the school website. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families; see our guide to nursery funding for further details.
• Wraparound Care: The school operates a Breakfast Club from 7:45am and an After School Club until 5:30pm. Specific session fees are published on the school's "Fees and Funding" page.
• Holiday Camps: External providers like Atlas Camps often run holiday programs on-site, which require separate booking and payment.

Extracurricular life at Lakefield is varied. Sports are a significant part of the school's identity, with pupils participating in local clusters for football, netball, and cross-country.

Creative interests are supported through the school choir and various art clubs. The school also offers a range of STEM-focused activities, including a popular Coding Club where pupils develop early programming skills. Annual highlights include Forest School sessions for the younger years, which foster self-belief and enthusiasm through outdoor exploration.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. Lakefield offers wraparound care to support working parents, including a Breakfast Club starting at 7:45am and an After School Club that runs until 5:30pm. These sessions are held on-site and supervised by professional, experienced staff.

The school is located in a quiet village lane. While this contributes to the peaceful atmosphere, it can make traffic during peak drop-off and pick-up times somewhat congested. The nearest major transport links are in Gloucester and Stroud, making the school most accessible for those living in Frampton on Severn or the surrounding villages.

• Oversubscription: With 1.42 applications for every place, securing a spot in Reception is competitive. Families living outside the immediate village may find it more difficult to gain entry in high-demand years.
• Knowledge Retention: The 2025 Ofsted report noted that while the curriculum is ambitious, some pupils struggle to retain specific knowledge over time, a focus area for current school improvements.
• Village Setting: The rural location is idyllic but means that transport is largely dependent on private vehicles for those outside the immediate walking distance.

Lakefield CofE Primary School is an academic powerhouse disguised as a gentle village school. It delivers some of the best KS2 results in the county, particularly for those capable of reaching the higher standards. Best suited to families who value a small-school environment with a clear Christian ethos and a track record of high academic attainment. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist and compare local alternatives.