St Swithun's Church of England VC Primary School
Sandy, SG19 1AX · Central Bedfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
24th of 36 primary schools in Central Bedfordshire we can score, 95 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 3,864 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.3/10 among them, against 0.8/10 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 | 38.0 · 7 | 40% | 0.27 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Swithun's Church of England VC Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 38.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.3 out of 10 among them, against 0.8 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 172 pupils against a stated capacity of 270. 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 to improve their attainment in reading and maths? What specific strategies are used to help children reach the higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing current performance gaps?
What Ofsted said about St Swithun's Church of England VC Primary School
Overview
St Swithun’s Church of England VC Primary School continues to be a good school, providing an inclusive environment where pupils feel happy and well cared for. Leaders have designed a broad and ambitious curriculum that successfully builds on prior learning in established subjects, supported by strong teaching and high expectations. However, inconsistencies in newer curriculum areas mean some pupils have gaps in their knowledge, requiring further evaluation and staff support.
Strengths
- Pupils are polite, well-mannered, and describe the school as ‘amazing’ and ‘friendly’, with bullying being rare.
- The teaching of reading is a high priority, with children learning phonics early and receiving quick support to address gaps.
- Staff use strong subject knowledge to check understanding and move pupils forward, particularly in mathematics.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive personalised plans and purposeful adaptations to support their learning.
- Leaders foster a strong culture of safeguarding, with staff receiving regular training and acting quickly on concerns.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure all subjects are consistently implemented so that pupils achieve well across the curriculum, addressing gaps in newer subject plans.
- Subject leaders need to fully evaluate the impact of their planned curriculum and receive further training to implement leaders’ intentions effectively.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture where staff remain vigilant, report worries promptly, and ensure vulnerable pupils receive necessary support.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 46% |
| 2023/24 | 41% |
| 2024/25 | 38% |
| 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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