Preston Candover Church of England Primary School
Basingstoke, RG25 2EE · Hampshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
35th of 300 primary schools in Hampshire we can score, 420 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 — 8.6/10 against 2,551 of them, against 9.0/10 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 | 79.0 · 86 | 40% | 3.43 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 29.0 · 98 | 25% | 2.44 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Preston Candover Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 79.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 29.0% achieved it, 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 (8.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 98 pupils against a stated capacity of 145. 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 do not reach the expected standard in maths? What specific trips are planned for the next academic year? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Preston Candover Church of England Primary School
Overview
Preston Candover Church of England Primary School is judged ‘Good’ overall, with ‘Outstanding’ personal development. Leaders prioritise pupils’ spiritual growth and values, fostering a calm, inclusive environment where children are ‘kind and respectful’. The school provides a well-sequenced curriculum and effective early reading support, though inconsistencies in mathematics teaching and behaviour management require attention.
Strengths
- Personal development is ‘exceptionally well’ promoted through ‘inspirational, whole-school art projects’ and trips that broaden pupils’ horizons.
- Early reading is ‘effective’, with staff following phonics schemes closely and providing ‘carefully planned support’ for weaker readers.
- Pupils demonstrate ‘highly positive attitudes’ and feel safe, with bullying being ‘rare’ and incidents resolved ‘swiftly’.
- The curriculum is ‘interesting and well-sequenced’, helping pupils build knowledge gradually and link new learning to prior studies.
- Governors hold leaders to account ‘sufficiently’ and staff feel ‘well supported’ by professional development opportunities.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must consistently use accurate assessments of pupils’ starting points in mathematics to ensure work is appropriately challenging.
- Staff need to follow behaviour management procedures more consistently to prevent some pupils from disturbing others’ learning.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with staff receiving high-quality training, reporting concerns promptly, and maintaining ‘comprehensive’ record-keeping.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 79% |
| 2023/24 | 100% |
| 2024/25 | 79% |
| 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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