Larkmead School
Abingdon, OX14 1RF · Oxfordshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
29th of 40 secondary schools in Oxfordshire we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 920 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.6/10 among them, against 2.9/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 29.5 · 15 | 30% | 0.44 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.02 · 52 | 25% | 1.30 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 39.0 · 15 | 10% | 0.15 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Larkmead School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 34.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 39.4, against a national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.02 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.1 out of 10 among them, against 3.5 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, play netball, or participate in the School of Rock. Trips include visits to the Stock Exchange, Tate Gallery, National Science Museum, London and Stratford theatres, Oxford Colleges, universities, and Cotswold Wildlife Park.
Getting in
The published school roll is 959 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,060. 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 to close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific support is available for students aiming for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award? How does the curriculum prepare pupils for university visits and higher education pathways?
What Ofsted said about Larkmead School
Overview
Larkmead School continues to be a good school, described as a "very happy and inclusive place" where pupils feel safe and valued. The report highlights an ambitious curriculum and strong personal development, though it notes that recent improvements are not yet fully reflected in published outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.
Strengths
- Pupils are "polite and respectful" and feel "seen," with a clear understanding that bullying is not tolerated.
- The school offers an "ambitious curriculum" with a "sharp focus on reading," helping pupils with gaps make strong progress.
- Staff manage behaviour "very effectively" through clear expectations and positive relationships.
- Personal development and careers provision are "impressive," ensuring pupils are "very well prepared for their next steps."
- The trust provides "strong support and challenge," and staff are "extremely proud to work at the school."
Areas to improve
- Some teachers do not systematically check the accuracy and depth of pupils’ understanding, particularly in key stage 3.
- Attendance for some pupils, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, is not yet high enough.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 44.1 |
| 2024/25 | 39.4 |
| 2025/26 | 39.0 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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