Purley Oaks Primary School
South Croydon, CR2 0PR · Croydon · primary school
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59th of 77 primary schools in Croydon we can score, 87 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 4.8/10 against 2,222 of them, against 3.9/10 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.56 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Purley Oaks Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 5.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join clubs including Bringing Stories to Life, dancing, cooking, crafts, choir, French, and Lego. Sports options include netball, football, gymnastics, martial arts, and street dance. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 642 pupils against a stated capacity of 660. 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 specific support is available for children who need extra help with reading? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about Purley Oaks Primary School
Overview
Purley Oaks Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils flourish in this welcoming environment, benefiting from a broad and ambitious curriculum that develops their knowledge and confidence. The school is praised for its inclusive ethos, high expectations, and the exceptional behaviour and resilience demonstrated by its students.
Strengths
- Pupils behave exceptionally well, showing respect and kindness, with bullying described as rare and dealt with swiftly.
- The curriculum is rich and varied, fostering a keen sense of enquiry and helping pupils understand the relevance of their learning.
- Staff provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they access ambitious opportunities.
- Reading is a high priority, with rigorous training ensuring staff teach it well and provide highly effective support for those falling behind.
- Leaders build strong relationships with families, offering workshops on curriculum and online safety, while staff appreciate the professional development provided.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure staff develop high levels of expertise in curriculum delivery to implement the ambitious curriculum consistently and effectively.
- Teaching needs to be more explicit about how new knowledge links with previous learning, so pupils can connect ideas and deepen their understanding.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 59% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| 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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