Witham Oaks Academy
Witham, CM8 1NA · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
158th of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 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 — 7.3/10 against 2,330 of them, against 6.1/10 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 | 72.0 · 71 | 40% | 2.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Witham Oaks Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 72.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 6.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 290 pupils against a stated capacity of 296. 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 higher standard in maths? What specific trips are planned for the current academic year?
What Ofsted said about Witham Oaks Academy
Overview
Pupils at Powers Hall Academy thrive in a safe and happy environment where they are “respectful, responsible, safe” and “ready to learn”. The school has made “significant improvements” since its previous inspection, delivering a “stimulating and ambitious curriculum” that ensures pupils achieve well. Leaders maintain strong oversight, fostering a calm atmosphere where pupils feel proud and confident.
Strengths
- Pupils are “attentive and well behaved”, showing kindness and respect to adults and peers.
- Teachers possess “strong subject knowledge” and present learning clearly, quickly correcting misunderstandings.
- The reading curriculum is “carefully structured”, with effective phonics teaching and support for those finding reading difficult.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified quickly and “achieve well alongside their peers”.
- The personal development programme helps pupils understand “respecting individual differences, equality and diversity”.
Areas to improve
- Some subject leaders lack the “full depth of understanding” required for their roles and do not always evaluate how well the curriculum works in their subject.
- The school must ensure all subject leaders receive the necessary support and training to “carry out their roles effectively” and provide high-quality support to teachers.
Safeguarding
The report states that “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 | 46% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 72% |
| 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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