Orchard Academy
Milton Keynes, MK6 3HW · Milton Keynes · primary school
Check the area around this school
50th of 58 primary schools in Milton Keynes we can score, 90 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 — 2.5/10 against 1,429 of them, against 2.2/10 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 | 52.0 · 22 | 40% | 0.88 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 1.0 · 21 | 25% | 0.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Orchard Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 52.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 1.0% reached the higher standard, 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 (2.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 294 pupils against a stated capacity of 360. 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 does a typical day look like for a child in Year 6? How does the school engage parents in monitoring progress?
What Ofsted said about Orchard Academy
Overview
Orchard Academy is described as a “welcoming and friendly school” where staff know pupils well and maintain warm relationships. Although the overall judgement of ‘good’ remains unchanged following this ungraded inspection, inspectors noted that evidence suggests the grade “might not be as high if a graded (section 5) inspection were carried out now,” recommending a future graded inspection.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from “warm relationships” with staff and know they can seek help from any adult.
- The curriculum is planned in detail with knowledge, skills, and vocabulary “clearly mapped out.”
- Reading is a clear priority, with a “structured approach” ensuring new pupils quickly close phonics gaps.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “fully included in school life.”
- Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of British values, particularly “respect and tolerance.”
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure recently introduced behaviour rules are “followed consistently” to prevent learning interruptions.
- The planned curriculum is not implemented consistently well; leaders should ensure lesson activities “match the intended learning precisely.”
- Work for pupils with SEND is not always broken down into small enough steps, causing some to disengage.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with leaders completing necessary checks and staff receiving useful ongoing training.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 42% |
| 2023/24 | 41% |
| 2024/25 | 52% |
| 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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