Sandhills Community Primary School
Oxford, OX3 8FN · Oxfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
112nd of 230 primary schools in Oxfordshire we can score, 244 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 4,298 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.7/10 among them, against 5.4/10 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 18.0 · 89 | 25% | 2.23 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sandhills Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 18.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.7 out of 10 among them, against 5.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a breakfast club, an after-school club, and a panto trip.
Getting in
The published school roll is 193 pupils against a stated capacity of 330. 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 national median in core subjects? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Sandhills Community Primary School
Overview
Sandhills Community Primary School is described as a "welcoming community" where pupils feel "happy and safe" and are "proud of their school." The report highlights an "ambitious and broad curriculum" and "highly strategic" leadership that works effectively with governors to drive improvement. While the school has moved significantly from its previous inadequate rating, there are specific inconsistencies in teaching practice that require attention.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "courtesy and kindness," with bullying being rare and effectively resolved when it occurs.
- The "provision in Reception class is particularly well designed," helping children get off to a "strong start."
- Phonics teaching is "confident and effective," with pupils encouraged to practise reading daily using matched books.
- Leaders have established a "strong culture of safeguarding" with diligent recruitment checks and prompt reporting of concerns.
- There is a "wide range of opportunities" for enrichment, including clubs and projects that support cultural and social development.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must ensure pupils "fully understand" key knowledge before moving on, as they sometimes assess pupils inaccurately and rush to new content.
- Leaders should improve training to ensure teachers consistently identify misconceptions and provide direct feedback, helping pupils apply knowledge with "increasing fluency and independence."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders being "tenacious in their work" and following up on concerns swiftly while working closely with external agencies.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 40% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| 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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