Dashwood Banbury Academy
Banbury, OX16 4RX · Oxfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
86th 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.7/10 against 3,141 of them, against 6.1/10 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 | 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.
Dashwood Banbury Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 9.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access a breakfast club and after-school club. Activities include Numbots, TTRS, School choir, Young voices choir, Aspire Club, colouring club, Drawing club, HotShots basketball, Netball, Multiskills club, Girls’ Football Club, Boys’ Football Club, Oxford United Football coaching, martial arts, Swimming, Dashwood’s Got Talent, and inter-house singing competitions. Trips include visiting the local mosque.
Getting in
The published school roll is 456 pupils against a stated capacity of 466. 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 expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Dashwood Banbury Academy
Overview
Dashwood Banbury Academy continues to be a good school where pupils enjoy attending and feel they can be themselves. Leaders demonstrate a strong dedication to the community, creating a caring environment where pupils feel safe, secure, and keen to learn. The school fosters positive relationships and high expectations, resulting in calm behaviour and a strong sense of belonging among students.
Strengths
- Pupils feel safe and secure, with bullying described as "very unusual" and clear knowledge of how to seek help.
- The recently implemented phonics curriculum has made "rapid improvements" in reading, supported by well-trained staff and a new central library.
- Leaders carefully identify pupil needs, providing effective support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities from the Nursery upwards.
- Pupils engage in a wide range of extra-curricular activities and trips, which create "positive memories" and bonds between different age groups.
- Staff feel well supported regarding workload and well-being, contributing significantly to the school’s "caring environment".
Areas to improve
- Leaders should continue to develop staff subject knowledge in foundation subjects so they can deliver the curriculum with the same confidence as in core subjects.
- Teachers must consistently check what pupils know and remember in foundation subjects to ensure learning is carefully adapted and knowledge is securely built.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders creating a strong culture, engaging with local agencies to identify risks, and ensuring all staff understand what actions to take to keep pupils safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 61% |
| 2023/24 | 82% |
| 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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