Francis Baily Primary School
Thatcham, RG19 4GG · West Berkshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
42nd 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 3,892 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4/10 among them, against 3.3/10 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 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| Ofsted | 7 | 35% | 0.24 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Francis Baily Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% 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%, against a national median of 7%. An Ofsted inspection in May 2026 used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4 out of 10 among them, against 3.3 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 491 pupils against a stated capacity of 567. 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 literacy? What specific steps are taken to raise attainment in maths? How does the new inspection framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Francis Baily Primary School
Overview
Francis Baily Primary School is described as a "welcoming and friendly" environment where pupils behave well and feel safe. While safeguarding standards are met and early years provision is effective, the report highlights that teaching quality is inconsistent and recent curriculum changes have not yet been fully embedded across all subjects.
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
- Pupils "behave well," bullying is "rare," and they have "positive and respectful relationships with staff."
- The early years provision is "happy and safe," with staff building strong relationships to ensure children are "well prepared for Year 1."
- Phonics is "taught consistently well," and leaders provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Leaders are "effective, ambitious and aspirational," with governors providing "support and challenge" to ensure ongoing improvement.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure curriculum and teaching plans are "implemented and embedded consistently" to address inconsistent teaching quality.
- Leaders should ensure all pupils, particularly disadvantaged pupils, "achieve consistently well" in core subjects of English and mathematics.
- Leaders should continue to develop their attendance strategy, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, to sustain recent improvements.
Safeguarding
The report states that "safeguarding standards are met," noting that leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and pupils are made safer.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 41% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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