John Henry Newman Academy
Oxford, OX4 4LS · Oxfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
108th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.6/10 against 1,986 of them, against 5.4/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 40% | 2.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
John Henry Newman Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 5.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Science Champions, the School Council, House Captains, and Learning Leaders. They also participate in Bikeability, Mural Painting, and attend the Wychwood pantomime and Peace Assembly Torch Relay.
Getting in
The published school roll is 392 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 John Henry Newman Academy
Overview
John Henry Newman Academy continues to be a good school, characterised by a "warm and welcoming" environment where pupils thrive within a "diverse and inclusive school community." The inspection confirms that the school’s vision permeates daily life, fostering strong relationships and high expectations for behaviour and achievement.
Strengths
- The curriculum is described as "relevant and ambitious," successfully extending pupils’ horizons beyond the local area.
- Staff demonstrate strong subject knowledge, supported by "effective professional development" and a "challenge menu" that improves questioning techniques.
- There is an "unwavering ambition" for reading, with skilled teaching from Nursery upwards ensuring pupils develop fluency and a love for literature.
- Additional support is "carefully structured," including the personalised ‘Nest’ provision, ensuring all pupils, including those with complex needs, access the full curriculum.
- Leaders maintain "robust" attendance strategies and build meaningful community links, such as the ‘Into University‘ programme, to raise aspirations.
Areas to improve
- In a few foundation subjects, teaching does not always focus sufficiently on key knowledge, meaning pupils sometimes recall activities rather than intended learning; leaders must ensure teachers are explicit in presenting subject materials.
- Meaningful assessment is not fully established in a few foundation subjects, so checks on understanding do not always inform future teaching with sufficient precision; the school should refine assessment systems to identify next steps in learning.
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 | 46% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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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