Robert Sandilands Primary School and Nursery
Newbury, RG14 1TS · West Berkshire · primary school
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6th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.3/10 against 2,601 of them, against 8.4/10 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 | 77.0 · 82 | 40% | 3.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 17.0 · 87 | 25% | 2.18 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Robert Sandilands Primary School and Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 77.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 17.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join clubs for computing, cooking, sewing, arts and crafts, Lego, French singing, and Playdoh. Sports include multi-skill activities, croquet, netball, football, gymnastics, archery, and running. Arts and music options cover choir, dance, and gardening. Trips visit Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Warner Bros Studios, and the Ashmolean Museum. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 221 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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 not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for children joining the nursery phase?
What Ofsted said about Robert Sandilands Primary School and Nursery
Overview
This ungraded inspection found that the school’s work has “improved significantly across all areas” since the previous inspection, prompting a future graded inspection. The report describes a “highly aspirational” environment where pupils achieve “impressive outcomes” well above the national average. Leaders are praised for being “highly ambitious” and maintaining strong community links.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “exceptionally coherent and ambitious,” with staff demonstrating “excellent subject knowledge” and delivering it “expertly.”
- Behaviour is described as “excellent” and “exceptional,” with pupils showing “extremely positive attitudes to learning” and high attendance.
- Early years provision is highly effective, with a “sharp focus on developing children’s communication, language and vocabulary skills.”
- Reading is a clear priority, with “well-trained staff” ensuring books match pupils’ phonics knowledge and “swift action” taken for those falling behind.
- Personal development is a strength, enriched by trips, clubs, and a strong sense of character built through the school’s “compass” values.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The report states that “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 | 72% |
| 2023/24 | 84% |
| 2024/25 | 77% |
| 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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