Combe CofE Primary School
Witney, OX29 8NQ · Oxfordshire · primary school
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10th 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 — 9.4/10 against 2,587 of them, against 9.6/10 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 | 89.0 · 97 | 40% | 3.89 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 22.0 · 94 | 25% | 2.35 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Combe CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 89.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 22.0% 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 (9.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in School Council, Eco Council, and Wellbeing Committee. Music provision includes whole-class instrumental lessons, individual tuition, workshops, and performances with Oxford Opera and Young Shakespeare Theatre. Trips visit Harcourt Arboretum, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Blenheim Palace, and Legoland.
Getting in
The published school roll is 115 pupils against a stated capacity of 119. 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 support is available for children needing extra help with reading?
What Ofsted said about Combe CofE Primary School
Overview
This inspection judged the school as ‘Good’ across all categories, noting it was previously ‘Outstanding’ under an older framework. Leaders have successfully improved the curriculum, particularly in reading and personal development, creating a ‘kind, happy and welcoming’ environment where pupils feel safe and valued. The school fosters strong community ties and high expectations for behaviour and learning.
Strengths
- Pupils thrive in a ‘fully inclusive culture’ where they ‘embrace difference and value everyone equally’.
- The curriculum is ‘rich’ and ‘well-crafted’, with clear sequencing in most subjects and effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Early years and Key Stage 1 staff deliver phonics effectively, ensuring young children ‘learn their sounds well’.
- Staff are ‘knowledgeable and alert’ to safeguarding risks, and governors ‘challenge school leaders effectively’.
- Pupils demonstrate ‘great self-discipline’ and make positive contributions to the local community.
Areas to improve
- Curriculum planning in ‘a few subjects and areas of learning’ requires refinement so all staff understand the key knowledge pupils must retain.
- The approach to early reading in Key Stage 2 is ‘not well embedded’, meaning some weaker readers do not gain fluency as quickly as they could.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, with staff well-trained to identify risks and leaders responding to concerns in a ‘timely fashion’.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 88% |
| 2024/25 | 89% |
| 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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