SchoolsGPT

The Ridgeway Primary School

Reading, RG2 8JD · Reading · primary school

Check the area around this school

Mixed Primary
3.8/10 Broadly average

28th of 37 primary schools in Reading we can score, 40 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 — 4.6/10 against 1,726 of them, against 3.8/10 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 54.0 · 26 62% 1.59
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 Ridgeway Primary School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 54.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 8.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.8 out of 10 against all schools).

Beyond the classroom

Pupils can join a cooking club, participate in Reading FC, and attend an after-school club.

Getting in

The published school roll is 362 pupils against a stated capacity of 536. 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 specific activities does the after-school club offer each week? How does the school integrate Reading FC into the wider curriculum?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about The Ridgeway Primary School

Inspection report dated 31 January 2025

Overview

The Ridgeway Primary is described as an “inclusive place with a strong caring ethos” where pupils are “happy, respectful and very well cared for.” Leaders have established a precise curriculum that supports strong outcomes, particularly in English and mathematics, while fostering a calm and purposeful environment.

Strengths

  • The curriculum sets out “essential knowledge” precisely, enabling pupils to build on previous learning effectively, with “positive” outcomes at the end of key stage 2.
  • Reading is central to provision; staff have “expert knowledge” of early reading, and phonics books are “matched well” to sounds learned, ensuring pupils at risk receive daily support.
  • Pupils benefit from “strong, nurturing relationships” with staff and a wide array of experiences, such as visits to the “on-site forest school,” which foster belonging and self-esteem.
  • Governors provide “effective oversight” and work determinedly to secure improvements, while staff appreciate support in managing their workload.
  • Personal, social and health education helps pupils understand diverse cultures and keep themselves safe, with initiatives like charity fundraising developing their “sense of responsibility.”

Areas to improve

  • In some subjects, checks on learning do not always identify whether pupils understand the curriculum securely, leading to activities that do not help them “practise the right knowledge.”
  • The school should refine its approach to ensure checks on pupils’ knowledge are effective and that suitable adjustments are made to lessons where needed.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Expected standard
54%
2024/25
Higher standard
8%
2024/25
Demand
×0.93
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
40%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.

45% 2022/23
55% 2023/24
54% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for The Ridgeway Primary School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2345%
2023/2455%
2024/2554%
England64%

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
Email me before each one →

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 RG2 8JD, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →

Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?

Ask SchoolsGPT