Southwold Primary School
Bicester, OX26 3UU · Oxfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
110th 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 4,299 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.6/10 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.56 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Southwold Primary School overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, with the most recent inspection in May 2025. In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A higher 13.0% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.6 out of 10 among them, against 5.4 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 315 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 does the daily timetable look like for a Year 6 pupil? How does the school monitor progress for children with similar backgrounds to the national average?
What Ofsted said about Southwold Primary School
Overview
Southwold Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The report describes the school as a “vibrant, inclusive and welcoming” environment where relationships are nurturing and pupils are happy. Leaders, governors, and staff set high expectations, ensuring a sustained commitment to working in the best interests of all pupils.
Strengths
- The curriculum is broad, stimulating, and carefully sequenced to build on secure foundations established in the early years.
- Reading is a clear priority, with staff delivering the phonics programme well and intervening swiftly for pupils who fall behind.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive effective support, including through the specialist resource provision, ‘The Willows’.
- Behaviour is respectful and committed, with effective support in place for those who struggle to manage their emotions.
- There is a rich programme of personal development, where pupils show resilience, curiosity, and a good understanding of physical and mental health.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, recent curriculum changes are not delivered consistently, meaning some pupils do not secure their knowledge and understanding as fully as they should.
- The school should ensure that staff have the knowledge and skills to deliver the curriculum in each subject effectively and confidently.
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 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 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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