Barley Hill Primary School
Thame, OX9 3DH · Oxfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
83rd of 230 primary schools in Oxfordshire we can score, 244 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 6.2/10 against 4,023 of them, against 6.1/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Barley Hill Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 9.0% achieved this, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (6.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2025.
Getting in
The published school roll is 482 pupils against a stated capacity of 630. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who are not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific trips are planned for the current academic year?
What Ofsted said about Barley Hill Primary School
Overview
Barley Hill Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils enjoy attending the school, where they benefit from high expectations, strong staff relationships, and a rich array of extra-curricular experiences. The curriculum is ambitious and well-sequenced, particularly in English and mathematics, ensuring pupils develop detailed knowledge and confidence.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “ambitious for all pupils” and “well sequenced to help pupils build their knowledge over time,” with particular strength in English and mathematics.
- The school prioritises early reading, having made “thoughtful and carefully considered changes” to address previous phonics outcomes, resulting in pupils who read “confidently and fluently.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well, with swift identification of needs and effective provision such as the internal resource base, ‘The Cloud’.
- Pupils behave well, are respectful, and feel safe, benefiting from initiatives like the ‘Friendship Stop’ and meaningful leadership roles.
- Staff establish strong relationships with pupils, and leaders and governors work together effectively with a “clear, shared vision for the school.”
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure it supports teachers to check pupils’ learning consistently well, as occasional checks fail to identify errors and misunderstandings, preventing pupils from learning as well as intended.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 56% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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