The Oval School
Birmingham, B33 8JG · Birmingham · primary school
Check the area around this school
98th of 258 primary schools in Birmingham we can score, 291 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.2/10 against 378 of them, against 5.7/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Oval School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in gymnastics, dance, cricket, dodgeball, and football.
Getting in
The published school roll is 639 pupils against a stated capacity of 708. 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 in reaching the higher standard in maths? What specific support is available for pupils who are not yet meeting expected standards in reading?
What Ofsted said about The Oval School
Overview
The Oval School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. It is described as a happy school where pupils feel welcome, safe, and well cared for, with high expectations for achievement across the curriculum.
Strengths
- The school offers an "inspiring curriculum that is both broad and ambitious," with clearly set out knowledge, skills, and vocabulary.
- Staff deliver the curriculum consistently well, explaining concepts clearly and checking understanding regularly.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "fully access the same curriculum as their peers" through effective adaptations.
- Reading is a priority, with staff well trained to teach it effectively and help pupils who fall behind to "catch up quickly."
- Attendance has improved due to staff working with families to identify barriers, and suspensions have reduced significantly following a new behaviour system.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure all staff apply the new behaviour approach consistently, as a small minority of pupils do not always live up to expectations for being "ready, respectful and safe."
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 | 64% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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