Finmere Church of England Primary School
Buckingham, MK18 4AR · Oxfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
30th 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 the 2,280 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.1/10 among them, against 8.9/10 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 | 88.0 · 96 | 40% | 3.85 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Finmere Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 88.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 13.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.1 out of 10 among them, against 8.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access Forest School and School Council, alongside swimming, hockey, football, tag rugby, fencing, canoeing, and archery. Music lessons and a village carol concert support the arts, while residential visits and an after-school club provide further opportunities.
Getting in
The published school roll is 45 pupils against a stated capacity of 70. 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 residential visits? How is the after-school club structured for wraparound care?
What Ofsted said about Finmere Church of England Primary School
Overview
Finmere Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school, leveraging its small size to create a supportive environment where pupils thrive. Leaders have established a culture based on the values of ‘be kind, be honest and persevere’, fostering a ‘family feel’ that parents appreciate and which helps children develop positive attitudes towards learning and each other.
Strengths
- The school has developed an ‘ambitious curriculum’ that builds in complexity, with clearly identified key knowledge and vocabulary from the early years.
- Teachers possess ‘good subject knowledge’ and skilfully use various techniques, ensuring pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) ‘achieve well alongside their peers’.
- There is a ‘sharp focus on reading’, with younger children starting to learn sounds immediately and adults tracking progress carefully to support those who fall behind.
- Pupils demonstrate ‘positive attitudes’ and behave well, contributing to a ‘safe, calm and orderly’ environment where bullying is rare and quickly addressed.
- Attendance is strong due to high expectations and careful tracking, while pupils enjoy plentiful opportunities for trips and extra-curricular activities.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, teachers are not consistently checking pupils’ understanding, leading to gaps in knowledge that are not rectified before moving on to new learning.
- The school needs to ensure teachers receive training and support to be ‘more precise in identifying what pupils know and can do’.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
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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