St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Banbury
Banbury, OX16 2EG · Oxfordshire · primary school
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193rd 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 — 1.9/10 against 2,338 of them, against 2.0/10 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 | 47.0 · 15 | 41% | 0.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.75 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 26% | 0.75 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Banbury overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 47.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0%, 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 (1.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join the School Choir and play football, badminton, and martial arts. They attend trips to The Mill and participate in the Santa Fun Run, Sports Day, and NOSSP Festivals. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 226 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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
What specific support is provided for pupils who have not reached the expected standard in maths? How does the school balance its sports and arts activities with core curriculum time?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Banbury
Overview
Pupils describe the school as a “compassionate place” where they enjoy learning and feel they belong. The inspection judged overall effectiveness, the quality of education, behaviour, personal development, leadership, and early years provision as “Good”. Leaders have fostered an inclusive culture that supports a diverse pupil population, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Strengths
- Pupils behave well, bullying is “very rare”, and staff model high expectations effectively.
- The teaching of reading is prioritised, with staff developing expertise in phonics to help pupils become “confident readers”.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities achieve well due to quick identification of needs and support in the ‘Nurture Nest’.
- Parents are “overwhelmingly supportive” of the school’s principled approach and culture that “celebrates diversity”.
- Early years provision helps children settle quickly into clear routines and play cooperatively.
Areas to improve
- Mathematics work is “not consistently demanding” and lacks coherent planning, preventing pupils from building knowledge cumulatively.
- Teachers’ subject knowledge is “too variable” in some areas, such as PSHE, limiting pupils’ ability to integrate new knowledge into larger ideas.
- Governors and the trust need to ensure oversight is “more consistent and rigorous” by reviewing systems and practices.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective”, with staff reporting concerns quickly and pupils confirming they feel “safe and well cared for”.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 43% |
| 2023/24 | 43% |
| 2024/25 | 47% |
| 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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