Carswell Community Primary School
Abingdon, OX14 1DP · Oxfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
46th 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 — 7.7/10 against 4,250 of them, against 7.8/10 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 | 79.0 · 86 | 40% | 3.43 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Carswell Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 79.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 210 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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
Since the school is at full capacity, how does the admissions process handle applications for the next academic year? With a recent inspection, what specific improvements have been made to the curriculum since March 2025? How do the breakfast and after-school clubs integrate with the main school day for families needing wraparound support?
What Ofsted said about Carswell Community Primary School
Overview
Carswell Community Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils are described as happy and safe within a "caring and nurturing" environment where they "live these daily through their interactions with others." The school fosters high expectations for conduct and success, resulting in pupils who behave consistently well and are highly motivated to learn.
Strengths
- The school has "meticulously designed a broad and balanced curriculum" that clearly sets out important knowledge and skills.
- Staff identify pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "quickly and efficiently," ensuring they access the same curriculum as their peers.
- Reading is a priority, with skilled teachers delivering phonics well and helping pupils develop a "deep love of reading."
- Children in the early years receive a "strong start to their education," engaging well in lessons and developing language and number skills.
- Leaders provide strong support for staff well-being and workload, while governors have a "secure understanding of the school’s strengths."
Areas to improve
- Processes for checking what pupils have learned are "not yet fully developed across all foundation subjects."
- In a few subjects, teachers do not consistently identify and address gaps in pupils’ knowledge or build on prior learning.
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 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 79% |
| 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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