Ruskin Junior School
Swindon, SN2 7NG · Swindon · primary school
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32nd of 54 primary schools in Swindon we can score, 66 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 — 4.4/10 against 1,870 of them, against 3.8/10 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 40% | 1.18 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ruskin Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 333 pupils against a stated capacity of 340. 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 literacy? What specific provisions are available for children with additional needs? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Ruskin Junior School
Overview
Ruskin Junior School is rated as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, marking an improvement from its previous ‘Requires improvement’ judgement. The report highlights a positive school culture where pupils are ‘proud of their many achievements’ and form ‘positive and respectful relationships with staff’. Leaders have successfully implemented a curriculum that builds essential knowledge incrementally, particularly in reading and mathematics.
Strengths
- Pupils ‘work hard in class’ and benefit from a ‘sharp focus on providing pupils with the essential foundations of learning to read, spell, develop important speaking and listening skills and do mathematics’.
- The curriculum is ‘suitably ambitious’, with leaders making clear adaptations to address knowledge gaps caused by the pandemic.
- Staff provide ‘nurturing support’, and there is an ‘inclusive culture across the school’ where the work of young carers is celebrated.
- Pupils in the specialist resource base receive an ‘ambitious curriculum’ with effective tailored support for their education, health and care plans.
- Early readers receive ‘precise phonics teaching’ which increases their accuracy and fluency, helping them become ‘confident readers over time’.
Areas to improve
- Assessment processes in some wider curriculum subjects are ‘not well developed’, meaning knowledge gaps are not identified as swiftly as in English and mathematics.
- Communication with parents is ‘not always sufficiently strong’, with incomplete records of discussions causing ‘unnecessary anxiety and frustration’ for families.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, with staff training up to date and leaders taking timely actions when concerns are reported.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 56% |
| 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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