William Harding School
Aylesbury, HP21 9TJ · Buckinghamshire · primary school
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80th of 142 primary schools in Buckinghamshire we can score, 182 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 — 5.6/10 against 3,537 of them, against 5.5/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.29 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
William Harding School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 798 pupils against a stated capacity of 870. 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 working towards the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about William Harding School
Overview
William Harding School is described as a “calm and orderly” institution with a “strong sense of community” where pupils feel safe and happy. Leaders have established an “orderly and purposeful” learning environment, fostering pride among pupils, staff, and parents. The school maintains high expectations for behaviour and personal development, ensuring a positive atmosphere for learning.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “well planned and sequenced,” enabling pupils to build knowledge and talk confidently about what they have learned.
- There is a “highly effective and consistent approach to teaching early reading,” with skilled interventions ensuring pupils read fluently.
- Leaders have focused on accurately identifying pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), providing well-chosen support and resources.
- Pupils enjoy a wide range of clubs, activities, and opportunities to develop character, including volunteering and caring for school animals.
- Governors “rigorously check the impact of leaders’ actions” and bring the right skills to the board.
Areas to improve
- Teachers do not always plan the right tasks for all pupils, which limits some pupils’ knowledge acquisition; leaders need to support consistent task setting.
- Leaders expect staff to plan in ways that create unnecessary workload, taking time away from focusing on effective teaching.
- Pupils’ knowledge about similarities and differences between religious faiths and cultures requires further work.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with safeguarding being “high on everyone’s agenda” and leaders working closely with outside agencies and families.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 59% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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