The Winchcombe School
Newbury, RG14 1LN · West Berkshire · primary school
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51st 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 the 3,839 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.9/10 among them, against 1.7/10 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 | 51.0 · 21 | 40% | 0.83 |
| Ofsted | 5 | 35% | 0.18 |
| 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.
The Winchcombe School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 51.0% 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% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.9 out of 10 among them, against 1.7 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted inspected the school in February 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join The Phoenix Club and the School Council. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 436 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
Since the higher standard attainment is 0.0%, what specific interventions are in place to support pupils aiming for that level? How does the new Ofsted framework affect the current teaching priorities for the coming term?
What Ofsted said about The Winchcombe School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils benefit from a "positive, caring environment" with "warm relationships" and a strong sense of belonging. While personal development and early years provision are strengths, the school faces significant challenges regarding inconsistent teaching, low attendance for disadvantaged pupils, and variable achievement in core subjects.
Strengths
- Early years provision is praised for its "well-thought-through curriculum," "secure routines," and focus on essential skills like phonics and vocabulary.
- Personal development is a "notable positive," with pupils demonstrating maturity in values such as "tolerance, empathy and respect."
- Pupils engage enthusiastically in enrichment activities, including clubs, trips, and leadership roles like "eco-citizens" and "school councillors."
- The specially resourced provision for pupils with special educational needs offers "highly effective teaching" where needs are met with precision.
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are actively identified and managed.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure "precise early reading teaching" for all pupils, particularly those who have not secured foundational skills.
- The writing curriculum requires consistent implementation with "shared high ambition" to raise achievement.
- Attendance patterns need closer analysis to take "swifter, more effective action," especially for disadvantaged pupils with high persistent absence.
- Staff professional learning must be rigorously monitored to drive rapid improvement in teaching quality and behaviour management.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, meaning leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and pupils are made safer.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 51% |
| 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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