Padbury Church of England School
Buckingham, MK18 2AP · Buckinghamshire · primary school
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46th of 142 primary schools in Buckinghamshire we can score, 182 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 — 9.9/10 against 4,248 of them, against 9.8/10 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 | 94.0 · 99 | 40% | 3.96 |
| Ofsted | 14 | 35% | 0.48 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 25.0 · 96 | 25% | 2.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Padbury Church of England School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 94.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 25.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.8 out of 10 against all schools). The April 2026 inspection used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils visit Forest School, Rectory Farm for Lambing, Claydon House, Waddesdon Manor, the Natural History Museum, the British Motor Museum, the Living Rainforest, and Whitemoor Lakes.
Getting in
The published school roll is 104 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 new inspection framework affect daily teaching priorities? What support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Padbury Church of England School
Overview
Padbury Church of England School is described as a place where pupils feel "celebrated, cared for and known well." The report highlights a "small school community" with high attendance and strong academic outcomes, noting that leaders have a "clear and coherent vision" for personal development. While most aspects of the school operate at a strong or expected standard, there are specific areas regarding curriculum monitoring and evaluation that require refinement.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve highly, with results in core subjects "typically well above national averages" and all Year 1 pupils passing the 2025 phonics screening check.
- Attendance is a "sustained strength," consistently exceeding national averages and pre-pandemic levels, supported by a culture that promotes regular attendance.
- The school fosters a "respectful and inclusive environment" where bullying is rare and pupils are "polite, confident and keen to engage."
- Personal development is shaped by the ambition to develop each pupil as a ‘Padbury Child’, promoting values such as "loving kindness, respect and courage."
- Staff provide "timely and compassionate support," effectively meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities through targeted strategies.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should develop systems to check that the curriculum is implemented in line with intentions, as current monitoring is "not yet fully systematic or precise."
- Leaders should strengthen how they evaluate the impact of provision for all groups of pupils facing barriers to learning or wellbeing, including those who achieve well.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 93% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 94% |
| 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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