Northbourne Church of England Primary School
Didcot, OX11 8LJ · Oxfordshire · primary school
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105th 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 — 5.0/10 against 4,217 of them, against 5.4/10 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 41% | 1.20 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.78 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 22.0 · 94 | 25% | 2.38 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Northbourne Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. A higher 22.0% reached the higher standard, 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 (5.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a breakfast club and an after-school club, and participate in sports such as dodgeball and rounders.
Getting in
The published school roll is 343 pupils against a stated capacity of 341. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? How has the curriculum evolved since the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Northbourne Church of England Primary School
Overview
Northbourne Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school where pupils are “cherished and nurtured.” The report highlights an “inspiring” environment where pupils “eagerly come to school” and benefit from a curriculum that builds knowledge progressively. Leaders and governors work effectively to support high expectations and maintain strong community ties.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well from the early years through to Year 6, with leaders continually refining an “ambitious curriculum.”
- Staff model positive behaviour, resulting in pupils who are “very polite,” “kind and welcoming,” and where bullying is “not an issue.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities achieve well due to “flexible and well-considered support” and rapid identification of individual needs.
- Reading is prioritised, with staff using a new phonics programme effectively to develop pupils’ “fluency” and vocabulary.
- Governors and trust representatives have an “accurate view” of the school and work effectively to challenge and support leaders.
Areas to improve
- In mathematics, teachers do not use assessment consistently or well enough to check for “secure understanding” or identify misconceptions before moving on.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being “very well trained” to identify issues promptly and leaders maintaining “comprehensive and well organised” record-keeping.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 47% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 56% |
| 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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