St Christopher's Church of England School, Cowley
Oxford, OX4 2HB · Oxfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
179th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 2.6/10 against 2,364 of them, against 2.6/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 40% | 0.96 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Christopher's Church of England School, Cowley overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.6 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access Forest School, the Jack Peers Centre, and clubs including Running, School Council, Sports Leaders, Play Buddies, and House Captains. Sports cover football, rugby, cricket, tennis, yoga, dance, and gymnastics. Arts and music include choirs, ukulele lessons, maypole dancing, and crafts. Trips visit PGL Liddington, Cadbury World, Paultons Park, Cotswold Wildlife Park, the Ashmolean Museum, Oxfordshire Museum, Winchester Science Centre, and Silverstone.
Getting in
The published school roll is 314 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 fall below the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for the 3.0% aiming for the higher standard? How are the 106
What Ofsted said about St Christopher's Church of England School, Cowley
Overview
The report describes a school with a "strong inclusive ethos" where staff demonstrate values of "nurture, love, belonging, respect and courage." Leaders have taken "decisive and effective action" to address previous underachievement, resulting in a "broad and ambitious curriculum" where pupils, including those with special educational needs, "achieve well."
Strengths
- Personal development is "exceptional," supported by "extremely strong welfare and pastoral support" and extensive nurture provision for families.
- Reading is "fostered expertly," with skilled staff ensuring pupils "quickly become fluent readers" through high-quality phonics support.
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is "strong," with regular checking ensuring support meets individual needs.
- Attendance has seen "strong improvements" driven by "rigorous, shared systems" and diligent leader support for families.
- Staff benefit from a "well-structured programme of training" and value "collaborative working within the trust schools."
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, teachers do not always use assessment well enough, leading to gaps in what pupils remember; the school must ensure teachers in all subjects assess knowledge equally effectively.
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 | 42% |
| 2023/24 | 35% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of OX4 2HB, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT