Willowcroft Community School
Didcot, OX11 8BA · Oxfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
73rd of 230 primary schools in Oxfordshire we can score, 244 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 — 7.4/10 against 2,924 of them, against 6.6/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 40% | 2.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Willowcroft Community School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 11.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 481 pupils against a stated capacity of 482. 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 curriculum support pupils who are working towards the higher standard? What specific support is available for children who need extra help in maths?
What Ofsted said about Willowcroft Community School
Overview
Willowcroft Community School continues to be a good school, offering a "happy and nurturing" environment where pupils demonstrate "positive attitudes towards their learning." The report highlights strong relationships, a vibrant curriculum, and effective support for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Strengths
- The curriculum is described as "interesting and vibrant," with knowledge and vocabulary "carefully identified and ordered appropriately."
- Pupils exhibit "impeccable attitudes to learning," resulting in classrooms that are "calm, purposeful and productive."
- Staff promote a strong "love of reading," with pupils enthusiastically engaging with a "diverse and interesting range of texts."
- The school effectively supports pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they access the "same ambitious curriculum as their peers."
- Governors are "reflective and knowledgeable," providing effective support and challenge regarding the quality of education.
Areas to improve
- Teaching in a few subjects is inconsistent; staff should be equipped to check understanding precisely and help pupils "make links with what they have learned previously."
- Phonics teaching is variable; the school must ensure all staff are well trained to teach phonics successfully so younger pupils read with "sufficient fluency and confidence."
Safeguarding
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 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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
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 OX11 8BA, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT