Parsons Down Junior School
Thatcham, RG19 3SR · West Berkshire · primary school
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37th of 54 primary schools in West Berkshire we can score, 67 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 the 3,892 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.7/10 among them, against 1.4/10 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 | 39.0 · 8 | 40% | 0.30 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.60 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Parsons Down Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 39.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with a national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.7 out of 10 among them, against 1.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join art and craft, baking, construction, board games, colouring, and dressing up clubs, as well as football and cross country. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 139 pupils against a stated capacity of 150. 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 bridge the gap between the current 39.0% attainment rate and the national median? What specific steps are being taken to improve results since the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Parsons Down Junior School
Overview
Parsons Down Junior School continues to be a good school, where pupils are happy, friendly, and proud of their role as an ‘eco-school’. Leaders have lifted expectations across all aspects of the school, ensuring the quality of education remains at the heart of their work. The curriculum is well thought out, with knowledge mapped progressively to help pupils master new ideas through clear explanations and practical resources.
Strengths
- Pupils are excellent role models for protecting the planet, with a keen eco-committee leading efforts to reduce energy use and waste.
- The curriculum fully meets national ambition, with leaders viewing learning as a sequence rather than standalone lessons to maximise practice.
- Teachers explain concepts clearly and break down challenging tasks into manageable steps, helping pupils achieve well.
- Leaders identify pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) quickly and put effective support mechanisms in place.
- Governors work effectively, checking the impact of leaders’ actions and looking beyond policy to see how provision benefits pupils.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure high expectations for behaviour are met in lessons, as some low-level disruption is not always addressed quickly enough by teachers.
- Staff should encourage pupils to read a wider range of books by different authors to develop a richer reading diet and vocabulary.
- Leaders need to support teachers to ensure pupils with SEND learn the same knowledge as their peers, avoiding adaptations that ask less of them.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with adults being proactive in keeping children safe and leaders responding quickly to any concerns raised.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 41% |
| 2023/24 | 56% |
| 2024/25 | 39% |
| 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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