The Willows Primary School
Newbury, RG14 7SJ · West Berkshire · primary school
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7th of 54 primary schools in West Berkshire we can score, 67 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 — 7.0/10 against 2,806 of them, against 6.2/10 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 | 66.0 · 54 | 40% | 2.16 |
| Ofsted | 92 | 35% | 3.20 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Willows Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 12.0% achieved this, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.2 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in February 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 337 pupils against a stated capacity of 450. 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 new inspection framework’s separate grading affect daily teaching priorities? What specific support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about The Willows Primary School
Overview
The Willows Primary School is described as a highly inclusive institution where leaders ensure pupils achieve well, particularly in English and mathematics. The report highlights an "ambitious curriculum" and strong safeguarding standards, noting that pupils feel safe, secure, and eager to learn.
Strengths
- Leaders ensure pupils have "secure knowledge and skills in English and mathematics" as foundations for future success.
- The early years provision is of "consistently high quality," preparing children extremely well for Year 1 through "warm relationships" and a "well thought through" curriculum.
- Inclusion is central to the school’s ethos, with leaders successfully "breaking down barriers to learning" for pupils facing challenges.
- Pupils demonstrate "extremely positive attitudes to their learning" and behave very well, with bullying being a "very rare occurrence."
- The personal development programme is "carefully crafted" to help pupils become "well-rounded individuals" with a mature understanding of the wider world.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should continue to be "resolute in tackling barriers to high attendance" to further increase rates, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.
- Leaders and governors should maintain their focus on disadvantaged pupils to ensure that recent improvements in their performance are "sustained and built on."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| 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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