Oakgrove School, Milton Keynes Review 2026: Modern All-Through Excellence in the New Town

When Oakgrove School first opened in September 2005, Milton Keynes' ambitious new town experiment had found an educational partner equally committed to building something of lasting value. Nearly two decades later, this all-through school has evolved into a 2,500-pupil institution that bridges nursery care through to university preparation, delivering what its values pledge as "excellence, innovation and respect." The school's recent Ofsted visit in November 2024 confirmed the sustained quality that has defined its trajectory, with inspectors noting that pupils are proud members of the community, motivated by genuinely high expectations. Across primary, secondary and sixth form phases, results sit firmly in the typical to above-typical range in England, making Oakgrove a popular choice for Milton Keynes families. With nearly four applications for every secondary place available, admission here is highly competitive, though those who secure entry often discover a school that genuinely does balance academic rigour with well-rounded opportunity.

The school's geographical spread across two modern campuses reflects its relatively recent inception. The secondary site at Venturer Gate in Middleton comprises contemporary teaching blocks arranged purposefully across 28 acres, whilst the primary and nursery occupy a separate purpose-built facility at Atlas Way in the Oakgrove district. Both sites share an institutional energy that feels neither sterile nor chaotic. The recent Ofsted report described the school's defining ethos as "a big school with a big heart," an observation that emerged from inspectors' observations of calm and focused learning spaces where pupils move between lessons with evident purpose.

Executive Headteacher Ian Tett has led the school since 2015, inheriting its "Good" status from his predecessor Peter Barnes, who established much of the school's foundational character. The school sits within the Kingsbridge Educational Trust, a multi-academy structure that provides governance and strategic direction. The most recent inspection in November 2024 noted that pupils demonstrate considerate conduct and positive attitudes to learning, with behaviour consistently calm and respectful across both primary and secondary phases. In the early years setting, staff report developing children's self-confidence through carefully sequenced routines, a practice that appears to embed positive habits that persist throughout the school journey.

The physical environment reflects deliberate planning. The buildings incorporate renewable energy technology, including solar panels and geothermal heating, alongside what staff describe as "state-of-the-art" ICT facilities. More tangibly, there is a professional-standard recording studio, a fully equipped theatre, and a large sports complex. The sixth form has dedicated spaces including its own study centre and catering facilities, acknowledging the developmental transition to greater independence. Pupils repeatedly report warm relationships with staff across the school, with the Ofsted report noting that they are genuinely well-known by adults despite the school's size.

Primary Outcomes

Oakgrove's primary phase sits above the England average. In the most recent available data, 85% of pupils at the end of Key Stage 2 achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. This represents genuine progress against a meaningful benchmark. Reading scaled scores averaged 106 (England average 100), whilst mathematics reached 106, demonstrating particular consistency across core subjects. Grammar, punctuation and spelling achieved 108, placing the primary cohort notably above peers in England.

The primary ranking system places the school 18th among Milton Keynes' primary schools and 3,624th in England, positioning it in the top 25% of England's primaries (FindMySchool ranking). This sits comfortably within what would be termed "above England average" performance. The higher standard achievement, where 24% of pupils achieved greater depth in core subjects against an England average of 8%, shows that the school is not simply bringing pupils to minimum competency but supporting genuine mastery in a meaningful minority of the cohort.

GCSE Performance

At GCSE, Oakgrove achieves results that sit at the national typical range rather than above it. In 2024, 28% of grades were at grades 9-7 (the highest bracket), marginally below the England average of 54%. The attainment score of 52.5 sits near the national mean, suggesting that while pupils reach expected standards, the proportion achieving at the highest level is proportionally lower. The Progress 8 score of +0.19 indicates that pupils make slightly above-average progress from their starting points, suggesting that the school's value-added benefit to pupil outcomes is measurable, even if absolute results sit in the typical band.

The English Baccalaureate uptake has been an area the school is actively developing. Currently, only 21% of pupils achieve grades 5 and above in the EBacc measure (sciences, languages, humanities, and maths), but the school has identified language qualification growth as a priority, with explicit action plans in place to increase this figure in coming years.

GCSE ranking places the school 1,180th in England and 5th among Milton Keynes secondaries (FindMySchool ranking), which equates to the national typical band (25-60%ile).

A-Level Performance

Sixth form performance is notably stronger than the secondary cohort. At A-level, 50% of grades achieved A*-B, matching or marginally exceeding the England average of 47%. The individual grade breakdown shows 9% at A*, 17% at A, and 24% at B, indicating a reasonably strong upper-grade concentration. A-level ranking places the school 997th in England and first in Milton Keynes (FindMySchool ranking), a meaningful distinction that suggests sixth form teaching is a genuine strength.

University Destinations

In the most recent sixth form cohort, 65% of leavers progressed to university, with 19% entering employment and 4% beginning apprenticeships. These figures reflect a pragmatic rather than aspirational sixth form cohort profile. One student secured an Oxford or Cambridge place in the measurement period (from eight combined applications), representing a 13% offer rate. This sits well below the England average acceptance rate, suggesting that whilst some pupils achieve elite university entry, this is not a school with a systematically strong pipeline to the highest-ranked institutions.

The school's curriculum is described by Ofsted as "broad and ambitious," with particular strengths identified in reading provision across all phases. In the early years, phonics teaching is systematic and well-resourced, with subsequent intervention for pupils in the early stages of reading described as "prompt and high-quality." This emphasis on reading foundations appears to carry through into secondary, where inspectors noted the active promotion of reading enjoyment through diverse text selections.

Teachers hold strong subject knowledge according to inspection evidence, with clear presentation of new learning and carefully developed activities that allow pupils to apply concepts. However, the school was identified as having some work to do in ensuring that checking for understanding identifies all knowledge gaps; the inspection noted that in some classes, pupils sometimes struggle with subsequent learning because prior gaps were not identified. This represents an emerging area of focus for the leadership team rather than a systemic weakness.

Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are well-integrated. Staff draw on individual plans to adapt learning activities appropriately, with the result that pupils with SEND progress well through the planned curriculum. The school operates with the support of two registered alternative provisions for students who require more specialist settings, indicating a pragmatic approach to inclusion that acknowledges different pupil needs.

The "excellence programme" for sixth form students focuses on volunteering and leadership with younger pupils, embedding personal development alongside academic study. Across the school, curriculum enrichment days occur in the summer term, providing opportunities for extended project work beyond the standard timetable.

The sixth form operates as a distinct entity with 390 students across Years 12 and 13, with dedicated facilities including a common room and study centre. The school offers a comprehensive range of A-level subjects, details of the full offer are available through the school website. Entry requirements are not excessively restrictive, with the school welcoming applications from students meeting specific subject-level attainment in GCSEs. The transition from internal Year 11 to Year 12 is not automatic; students must meet published criteria, though the school works to support progression for those falling narrowly short through summer intervention.

Primary pupils naturally progress to secondary, with the vast majority continuing within Oakgrove's secondary phase. The school's status as an all-through institution means that many Year 6 leavers proceed directly to Year 7 in the adjoining secondary campus, though some families choose external secondary options at this transition point. The school provides transition programmes acknowledging the psychological and practical significance of moving between primary and secondary phases.

At Year 11, the vast majority of Oakgrove's pupils progress to the sixth form or to other post-16 provisions. The sixth form operates with healthy enrolment from Oakgrove's own Year 11 cohort supplemented by external applicants, though specific internal progression rates are not published.

For sixth form leavers, the 65% university progression figure provides the headline, with the remaining cohort split between employment (19%) and apprenticeships (4%). University destinations reflect a broad spread of institutions rather than concentrated pipeline to research-intensive universities. The single Oxbridge success in the measurement period (Cambridge) demonstrates that elite university access is possible but not systematically achieved.

Oakgrove's extracurricular provision is described by the school as "rich and broad," with pupils reporting genuine enthusiasm for the range of opportunities available. The school operates what it terms "Period 8" activities, comprising lunchtime and after-school clubs that shift termly to maintain fresh variety and accessibility.

Sports and Physical Activity

The school places particular emphasis on sport, with Duke of Edinburgh Award participation as a flagship enrichment scheme. Bronze awards are offered systematically, with formal enrolment, deadline structures, and supervised expeditions integrated into the school calendar. The physical, skill, volunteering, and expedition components provide structured progression, with completion rates suggesting this is both accessible and genuinely valued by pupils.

Sports facilities include floodlit playing fields enabling fixtures across winter and summer seasons. The school runs competitive fixtures in rugby, hockey, netball, tennis, and rounders, with representative honours across multiple sports. These facilities are supplemented by an indoor sports hall and dedicated PE teaching spaces. Trampoline clubs operate alongside more traditional sports, providing breadth of physical experience beyond the standard PE curriculum.

Music and Performance

The school supports a range of musical ensembles, including a chapel choir, orchestral groups, and smaller ensemble work. Drama provision utilizes three dedicated performance spaces throughout the year, with formal productions complemented by Curriculum Enrichment Days in summer term that allow extended creative projects. A professional-standard recording studio provides opportunities for pupils interested in audio production and music technology.

STEM and Innovation

The school operates robotics programmes, evidenced by recent competitive success in robotic competitions. Coding and technology clubs operate alongside traditional science provision. The facilities include specialist ICT suites supporting computer science teaching. The school's emphasis on STEM has resulted in competitive achievement, suggesting that pupils engaged in these areas experience genuine depth rather than token exposure.

Student Leadership and Voice

Beyond clubs, pupils lead learning through roles including Peer Mentors and Learning Ambassadors. The school's emphasis on pupil voice is reflected in sixth form students taking leading roles in the "excellence programme," where they work with younger pupils, developing leadership experience whilst supporting the school's pastoral structures.

Curriculum Enrichment and Educational Visits

The school facilitates educational visits, including residential trips that the recent Ofsted report specifically mentioned. Pupils commented that these trips "broaden their horizons," suggesting that external visits are perceived as meaningful rather than merely tokenistic. The school operates a trips programme during school time, weekends, and school holidays, providing varied geographical and cultural exposure.

Named Clubs and Societies

The Period 8 clubs list reflects school breadth. In previous years, clubs have included self-defence, trampolining, chess, rounders, cheerleading, debate club, and lunchtime Latin. The school notes that students themselves lead some clubs, embedding pupil agency. Current club offerings are published termly, with December 2025-February 2026 offerings available through the school's online clubs list. The school's commitment to inclusive enrichment is reflected in the statement that "there is an extensive choice of activities," suggesting that pupils of different interests find genuine opportunities rather than a narrow set of popular provision.

The school employs over 140 full-time equivalent teaching staff and a further 80+ support staff, generating a pupil-to-teacher ratio of approximately 18:1. This is above the England average, though within typical range for state all-through schools. The leadership structure includes primary and secondary site leadership (with Mark Sim as primary headteacher and Ian Tett as executive headteacher for the secondary phase and overall institution), alongside dedicated subject leadership, special educational needs coordination, and pastoral roles.

Staff wellbeing has been explicitly addressed, with the school reporting efforts to manage workload. The Ofsted report noted that staff enjoy working in the school, which has implications for stability and quality of teaching relationships, factors that pupils cite as important to their experience.

Entry to Oakgrove is highly competitive at both primary and secondary phases. For primary (Reception) entry, the school received 282 applications for 90 places in 2024, representing a 3.13:1 oversubscription ratio. For secondary (Year 7), the competition is even sharper, with 974 applications for 238 places in 2024 (4.09:1 ratio). This reflects the school's reputation in Milton Keynes and suggests that prospective parents view it as a desirable option despite competition for entry.

Admissions are managed through the local authority's coordinated system, with Milton Keynes City Local Authority handling the formal application process. Selection criteria follow the standard framework of looked-after children, EHCP naming, siblings, and then distance. There is no formal catchment boundary, though oversubscription is typically resolved through distance from the school gates, meaning that local proximity significantly improves prospects of entry.

The school operates an on-site nursery at the primary campus, accepting children from age 3. The nursery integrates with the primary phase, with children in the Early Years foundation stage (Nursery and Foundation) following play-based learning aligned with statutory EYFS requirements. Progression to Reception class is available but not automatic, though in practice, most nursery children continue into the school's Reception provision.

Nursery fees are not detailed in this review; prospective parents should contact the school directly for current charging. Government-funded hours (15 and 30-hour entitlements) are available for eligible three- and four-year-olds, reducing out-of-pocket costs for qualifying families.

The school operates across two campuses with different hours reflecting primary and secondary phases. Secondary runs approximately 8:50am to 3:20pm, with primary start and finish times slightly earlier. The school provides wraparound care through "The Oaks" breakfast club (opening 7:45am) and after-school provision (until 6pm), enabling working parents to manage the school day within broader employment schedules. Holiday club provision also operates during main school breaks.

School meals are provided through cashless catering systems, requiring parents to manage online accounts. The school operates a comprehensive lunch service with multiple options, supporting pupils who require specific dietary accommodation or prefer packed lunch alternatives.

The school emphasizes pastoral support through a structured house system in secondary and designated tutor groups across all phases. Pupils consistently report warm relationships with staff, and the Ofsted inspection found that "pupils are well known by staff" despite the school's size, a meaningful observation in a 2,500-pupil institution.

A trained counselor visits weekly to support pupils requiring additional emotional support. The recent inspection found that pupils "feel very safe and well cared for," with a specific mention that older pupils "greatly enjoyed" the school because of this secure emotional environment.

Behavioural expectations are clearly communicated, with pupils described by inspectors as settling quickly to learning and demonstrating purposeful engagement. In the minority of cases where pupils lose focus, teachers quickly re-engage them, suggesting proactive classroom management rather than heavy-handed discipline.

Safeguarding arrangements are judged as effective, with clear procedures in place and widely understood by staff and pupils.

Oversubscription and Entry Competition. With nearly four applications for every secondary place, admission to Oakgrove is genuinely difficult. Families should explore alternative options and not rely on a place here without confirmed distance proximity to the school gates. The primary oversubscription ratio is lower but still competitive at 3.13:1.

A-Level and Sixth Form Selectivity. Progression from Year 11 to Year 12 is not automatic; students must meet published subject entry criteria. Whilst the school supports those narrowly falling short through summer intervention, families should verify specific requirements for intended subject combinations before completing GCSE option choices.

EBacc Uptake Currently Below England average. The school is actively developing language uptake, but families seeking strong preparation across the broad EBacc measure should be aware that current take-up (21% achieving grades 5+) sits below national patterns. This is an acknowledged area of improvement rather than a weakness, with explicit action plans in place.

Two-Site Structure. As an all-through school with nursery, primary, and secondary phases across two campuses, Oakgrove requires some logistical adjustment for families managing multiple sites if, for instance, a nursery-age sibling is in school elsewhere. The separation is manageable but worth considering.

Size and Anonymity. With 2,500 pupils, Oakgrove is a large institution. Whilst the school explicitly works to ensure pupils are "well known by staff," some families prefer the closer relationships of smaller schools. The school's stated philosophy that pupils benefit from a "big school with a big heart" is plausible based on inspection evidence, but individual children vary in their comfort with scale.

Oakgrove School represents solid, competent education across all phases, with particular strength in its primary outcomes and sixth form A-level work. The school is well-led, places genuine emphasis on pupil wellbeing and pastoral care, and offers a broad extracurricular programme that extends well beyond token enrichment. Results are typical to above-typical depending on phase, and the school's most recent inspection confirmed that standards have been maintained at a Good level. For families able to secure a place, and the oversubscription ratios mean this is an uncertain prospect, Oakgrove delivers the academically solid, supportive school environment it presents. The main challenge is entry rather than what follows admission; those who gain places consistently express satisfaction with their children's experience.