Grove Church of England School
Wantage, OX12 7PW · Oxfordshire · primary school
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209th 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 — 2.1/10 against 2,933 of them, against 2.5/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 62% | 1.17 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 38% | 1.36 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Grove Church of England School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0% 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 (2.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Computing, Athletics, Dodgeball, Dance, Board Games, Multi-Skills, Girls Football, and Leadership at Grove clubs, with an after-school club also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 182 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for those aiming for the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Grove Church of England School
Overview
Grove Church of England School is described as a "friendly and welcoming" community where pupils demonstrate "considerate conduct" and feel confident sharing worries. While behaviour, personal development, and leadership are rated Good, the quality of education requires improvement because the curriculum in some subjects does not yet support pupils in "knowing and remembering more," leading to gaps in knowledge.
Strengths
- Pupils are proud of the school’s "Christian values of love, respect and resilience" and enjoy a "close community" with warm staff relationships.
- Behaviour is "calm and orderly," with pupils keenly upholding rules and older pupils acting as role models.
- There is a "sharp focus on reading," with struggling children quickly identified and receiving "targeted support" to catch up.
- The early years curriculum is "strong," with "carefully considered steps" that prepare children well for key stage 1.
- The school effectively promotes well-being, encouraging pupils to manage emotions and contribute to the community through projects and leadership roles.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, the order in which important knowledge is taught and revisited must be improved to support pupils in "knowing and remembering more over time."
- The school needs to embed chosen teaching approaches to ensure pupils develop a "secure understanding" and can recall earlier learning, addressing current variations in teaching quality.
- Teachers must ensure that when pupils have "incorrect understanding," this is corrected across all subjects to prevent gaps in knowledge.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 37% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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