Barnabas Oley CofE Primary School
Sandy, SG19 3AE · Cambridgeshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
7th of 197 primary schools in Cambridgeshire we can score, 210 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 3,288 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.2/10 among them, against 7.4/10 nationally. 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 | 77.0 · 82 | 40% | 3.28 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| 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.
Barnabas Oley CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 77.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 9.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in February 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.2 out of 10 among them, against 7.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Year 5 and 6 pupils take a residential trip to Hilltop Outdoor Centre. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 144 pupils against a stated capacity of 150. 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 do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Outstanding rating across different year groups?
What Ofsted said about Barnabas Oley CofE Primary School
Overview
Barnabas Oley CofE Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection, which judged it outstanding for overall effectiveness. The school is described as a "calm and happy place to learn" where pupils thrive in a "family atmosphere" characterised by warm, caring relationships. Pupils are highly motivated, articulate, and confident in their ability to seek support from staff.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "ambitious" and "well-thought-through," ensuring pupils "progress well" and are "well prepared for their next stages."
- The school’s "inclusive nature" enables pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to access the same curriculum as their peers through effective adaptations and quick identification of misconceptions.
- A "well-established phonics programme" helps children become "confident, fluent readers," supported by a "strong reading culture" where pupils enjoy sharing book recommendations.
- High attendance is maintained through close monitoring and support, with pupils wanting to attend for "fun, exciting activities."
- Pupils develop "perseverance and resilience," benefiting from leadership opportunities such as play leaders and sports captains that foster a caring community.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, leaders do not always check that the curriculum is delivered to high expectations, meaning some pupils are not as confident in recalling previously taught content or connecting it with new learning.
- The school needs to ensure regular checks are carried out so that pupils are "remembering more and able to do more over time," developing a deeper understanding of subjects.
Safeguarding
The report states that "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 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 2024/25 | 77% |
| 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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