The Elms Primary School
Faringdon, SN7 7HZ · Oxfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
135th 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 — 4.7/10 against 3,495 of them, against 4.7/10 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 | 61.0 · 41 | 62% | 2.55 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 38% | 2.19 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Elms Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 61.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with a national median of 64%. A higher 8.0% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.7 out of 10 either way).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join guitar and choir clubs, play football and netball, and attend an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 251 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 a typical day look like for a child joining the after-school club? How does the school maintain engagement in subjects like reading for the majority of the cohort?
What Ofsted said about The Elms Primary School
Overview
The Elms Primary School is described as an "inclusive and happy community" where pupils feel valued and supported. Following a period of change and staffing disruption, the school has stabilised under current leadership, with inspectors noting that it has "started to flourish" and that "current pupils are learning well."
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit "kindness and resilience," taking on leadership roles such as "play leaders or reading buddies" to support others.
- Behaviour has "improved dramatically," underpinned by a "positive culture" built on strong relationships and consistent routines.
- Teachers possess "excellent subject knowledge" and present concepts "clearly and precisely," with effective systems for identifying special educational needs.
- The school employs an "effective and systematic approach" to reading, ensuring pupils who fall behind receive timely support to catch up.
- Personal development is prioritised through a "well-planned programme" of PSHE education, covering healthy relationships and online safety.
Areas to improve
- Task design in the wider curriculum is not always sufficiently ambitious, meaning some pupils do not learn to "apply their learning as confidently and independently as they could." The school must ensure activities provide "suitably challenging opportunities" across all subjects.
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 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 61% |
| 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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