Cold Ash St Mark's CE Primary School
Thatcham, RG18 9PT · West Berkshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
25th of 54 primary schools in West Berkshire we can score, 67 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 1,305 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.0/10 among them, against 2.9/10 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 | 61.0 · 41 | 40% | 1.65 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cold Ash St Mark's CE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 61.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.0 out of 10 among them, against 2.9 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 195 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
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific interventions are in place for the 2024/25 cohort? How does the school maintain its Good rating while addressing the gap in higher standard attainment?
What Ofsted said about Cold Ash St Mark's CE Primary School
Overview
Cold Ash St Mark’s CE Primary School continues to be a good school, characterised by "warm relationships" and a "strong sense of belonging, inclusion and community." Pupils are highly motivated, feel safe, and benefit from high staff expectations, resulting in positive outcomes and strong parental support.
Strengths
- Pupils thrive in a nurturing environment where they demonstrate respect and kindness, exemplified by initiatives like the ‘kindness tree’ and ‘respect wall’.
- Teaching is effective, with staff possessing "strong" subject knowledge and systematically checking understanding so pupils "remember key knowledge securely".
- Reading is a particular strength, with Year 1 phonics results significantly above national averages and pupils catching up quickly with targeted support.
- The school provides a "well-considered wider development programme," including enrichment opportunities like residential trips and music, which pupils eagerly embrace.
- Staff quickly identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they learn the curriculum alongside classmates.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, the curriculum does not yet ensure pupils build on prior learning securely, as teachers lack clarity on exactly what pupils have learned previously.
- Expectations in these subjects are not always high enough, and tasks do not always maximise learning potential; leaders must continue reviewing the curriculum to address these gaps.
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 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 61% |
| 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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