Hardwick Primary School and Nursery
Banbury, OX16 1XE · Oxfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
115th 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 — 5.4/10 against 3,352 of them, against 5.2/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 62% | 4.02 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 38% | 1.13 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Hardwick Primary School and Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with a national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 249 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 do not reach the higher standard in their core subjects? What specific activities are available within the breakfast and after-school clubs?
What Ofsted said about Hardwick Primary School and Nursery
Overview
Hardwick Primary School is described as a happy place where pupils demonstrate high ambitions and achieve well, particularly in writing and mathematics. The school fosters a culture of kindness and mutual respect, with exceptional behaviour and attitudes across all age groups.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit "exceptional" behaviour, showing "extremely positive attitudes to learning" and high levels of self-awareness.
- The early years provision is "Outstanding," giving children a "very strong start" through "exceptional concentration" and "sharply focused activities."
- The curriculum is "well-sequenced," allowing pupils to build knowledge successfully over time with "positive outcomes."
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is "highly effective," ensuring they can "access and succeed in every subject."
- Phonics teaching is delivered by "expertly trained staff," helping pupils learn to read very well and write accurately.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, teachers do not sufficiently check if pupils have gained the specific knowledge set out in the curriculum, leading to gaps in understanding.
- The school needs to ensure teachers quickly identify and address any misunderstandings or gaps in knowledge in these areas.
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 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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