Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery
Newbury, RG14 2RA · West Berkshire · primary school
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27th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 2.8/10 against 2,152 of them, against 2.6/10 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 40% | 0.97 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.78 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.74 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2022.
Getting in
The published school roll is 239 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 working towards the expected standard in literacy and numeracy? What does a typical day look like for a child in the nursery phase?
What Ofsted said about Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery
Overview
The report describes a school where “pupils are very happy” and feel “included and valued,” with “settled, calm and purposeful” classrooms. Significant improvement has been achieved since the previous inspection, particularly in mathematics and behaviour, though the early years provision and reading fluency require further development.
Strengths
- “The teaching of mathematics is now a real strength,” with a “well-sequenced curriculum” ensuring almost all pupils achieve well.
- Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes, standing “united against bullying” and knowing when to seek help from adults or ambassadors.
- “Senior leaders have a very good understanding of the school’s community context” and risks, with effective safeguarding arrangements.
- Parents recognise staff passion, noting the headteacher has “transformed the school” and improvements to outdoor spaces are making a difference.
- A strong focus on oracy has supported pupils to develop “confidence in sharing their ideas and views.”
Areas to improve
- The early years curriculum is “not yet fully developed” and not consistently implemented, meaning children are “not being sufficiently well prepared for the next phase of their education.”
- Weakest readers do not get enough practice with books that “precisely and consistently match the letter-sound correspondences they know,” hindering fluency.
- In some foundation subjects, “curriculum thinking is not as well developed,” with sequencing that is “not always logical.”
- Leaders must maintain focus on attendance for pupils “vulnerable to poor attendance,” particularly where improvement is not evident.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting a “clear and coherent culture of safeguarding” where staff know precisely what to do when concerned about a pupil.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 66% |
| 2023/24 | 45% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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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