John Blandy Primary School Review 2026, Village primary with a calm culture and a reading-led curriculum

For primary schools, the most parent-friendly headline is the proportion of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined at Key Stage 2.

• In 2024, 69% reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, above the England average of 62%.

• At the higher standard, 20% reached the higher threshold in reading, writing and maths, compared with an England average of 8%.

These figures suggest outcomes that are generally positive on the combined measures, with a stronger-than-average proportion hitting the higher bar. (All performance comparisons are for England.)

On subject-level measures, the picture is mixed. Reading and GPS (grammar, punctuation and spelling) are strong on the expected-standard measures, both at 70%. Mathematics expected-standard is 63%. Science expected-standard is lower at 67%, which is an area parents may want to ask about for curriculum sequencing and assessment.

Scaled scores, which help indicate how far above or below the national benchmark a cohort is performing, sit at 102 for reading, 104 for maths and 105 for GPS, adding up to a combined score of 311.

Rankings are presented using the FindMySchool methodology based on official data, and they should be read as a comparative indicator rather than a promise about any individual child’s experience. On that basis, the school is ranked 10,223rd in England for primary outcomes and 17th locally within the Abingdon area. This places it below England average in the distribution of ranked primaries, rather than in the top quartiles.

How to reconcile the above, if you are shortlisting: the cohort-level KS2 outcomes for 2024 are above England averages on the combined expected and higher standards measures, yet the broader ranking position implies that many schools nationally are achieving stronger combined profiles. That is plausible when a school’s pattern includes strengths (higher standard) alongside weaker points (science expected-standard, and consistency across measures).

Curriculum intent is explicitly reading-led. The school states that its curriculum is based on reading, using key texts to make links across subjects so that literature drives wider curriculum planning and engagement. For parents, this often translates into a coherent feel across English, humanities and wider topic work, particularly when texts are used as the organising spine for vocabulary and background knowledge.

Teaching detail from the most recent inspection is specific enough to be useful. The report describes secure subject knowledge in phonics and mathematics, with modelling and questioning used to support vocabulary and thinking. It also flags two concrete next-step areas, consistent use of assessment to check understanding and address misconceptions quickly, and building fluent, accurate handwriting across the curriculum.

Early reading is a highlighted strength in early years. The inspection describes confident phonics teaching, regular assessment to group pupils appropriately, and deliberate work on physical skills that underpin writing, such as pencil grip and hand strength.

As a primary school, the main transition point is Year 6 to Year 7. John Blandy is in Oxfordshire, where secondary transfer depends on the county’s coordinated admissions arrangements and on your address, preferences and available places.

The school itself is clear that admissions dates and the formal timetable sit with Oxfordshire County Council, and that parents should follow the county timetable for applications. In practical terms, families usually benefit from looking at likely secondary options early, then checking travel time and realistic route options, particularly if you are considering schools further afield than the nearest local comprehensive.

A sensible, evidence-led question to ask the school is how it supports Year 6 transition readiness, including liaison with receiving secondaries, and whether there are structured transition activities beyond the standard end-of-year handover.

Admissions are coordinated by Oxfordshire County Council, with the school’s own admissions pages signposting parents back to the council timetable. The Cambrian Learning Trust’s determined admissions arrangements for 2026 to 2027 confirm a PAN of 45 for John Blandy Primary School and state that Oxfordshire County Council administers admissions on the trust’s behalf.

Demand indicators in the published figures show oversubscription on the main Reception entry route, with 66 applications and 43 offers recorded, and an oversubscribed status.

FindMySchool tip: if you are weighing a tight distance margin for any Oxfordshire primary, use the FindMySchool Map Search to check your precise home-to-school distance consistently, then sanity-check it against the latest allocation documents for your preferred schools.

Key dates for Reception applications for the 2026 to 2027 academic year in Oxfordshire include applications opening on 4 November 2025, closing on 15 January 2026, and offers released on 16 April 2026, with responses due by 30 April 2026.

Pastoral language is not vague here. The school day is structured, gates open at 08:30 and the day runs to 15:00, with routines including phonics time, assemblies and defined breaks. The inspection report emphasises a calm environment, consistent behaviour systems, and staff who are trained to apply behaviour policy consistently, including support for pupils who struggle to manage emotions at times.

Safeguarding is clearly stated as met in the most recent Ofsted report. That matters most to parents when it is paired with day-to-day culture, and the report links the calm environment and pupils’ sense of safety to consistent routines and expectations, beginning in early years.

A final pastoral marker worth noting is attendance. attendance is consistently above the national average and has returned to pre-pandemic levels, with leaders monitoring and acting quickly when concerns arise.

Extracurricular life is described as changeable term to term, with a mix of teacher-led and externally-led clubs. The school lists a set of activities that often appear across the year, including Choir, Rock Steady, Lego, Yoga, Multi sports and Young Carers, alongside instrument options such as guitar and piano. For families, the important point is not the length of the list, it is the variety across sport, music and wellbeing, and the fact that opportunities exist both in and after the school day.

There are also pupil leadership structures that function like ongoing “clubs” in practice. School Council and Eco Council are explicitly set out, with pupils representing each class. In the inspection report, eco-team members are mentioned as established leadership roles, and the school council is described as influencing decisions such as improvements to playtime equipment.

Enrichment is not framed as occasional treats. The school talks about WOW days, trips, residentials, visitors and experience days as a way of immersing pupils in learning. The inspection report gives concrete examples that help parents picture what that looks like, including theatre trips, carol performances at a local residential home, residential visits for older pupils, and a visit to a Formula 1 racing track linked to engineering learning.

The school day runs from 08:30 to 15:00, with gates opening at 08:30 and registration routines beginning immediately. For wraparound, the school hosts a breakfast and after-school club run by Vicky Hickman and team, described as popular with children and offering indoor and outdoor activities, plus food provision during the session.

For travel, the school serves a village community, so many families will be thinking for walkability, cycling and local roads rather than rail links. If you are commuting from further out, it is worth stress-testing the drop-off and pick-up routine against your working day, because a 15:00 finish is less forgiving than later finishing schools unless wraparound is part of your plan.

• Ranking context. KS2 outcomes in 2024 are above England averages on the combined expected and higher standard measures, but the FindMySchool England ranking position sits in the lower part of the national distribution. This is a reminder to look at the full pattern rather than relying on one headline.

• Science measure. The 2024 expected-standard figure for science is lower than the combined reading, writing and maths measure. Families with a strong STEM focus may want to ask how science knowledge is sequenced and assessed across mixed-age classes.

• Assessment consistency and handwriting. The most recent inspection highlights consistency in checking understanding and the development of fluent handwriting as priorities that were not yet fully embedded. Parents may want to ask what has changed since January 2026 publication of the report.

John Blandy Primary School reads as a structured, community-rooted village primary that puts belonging and calm routines at the centre, backed by a reading-led curriculum model and visible pupil leadership roles. Best suited to families who value a smaller-community feel, clear routines, and a curriculum that uses texts to drive wider learning. The main decision point is fit, rather than flash, because outcomes are stronger on some measures than others, and the school’s improvement priorities are quite specific.