Lewknor Church of England Primary School Review 2026: Small village primary, unusually strong KS2 outcomes

High attainment is the headline here, but it is achieved in a setting that still feels like a traditional village primary. With a roll of 77 pupils and a published capacity of 105, the scale stays intentionally small, which tends to suit families who value being known quickly and consistently by staff.

Academically, the most recent published Key Stage 2 data is striking. In 2024, 90% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared with an England average of 62%. At the higher standard, 46.67% reached greater depth in reading, writing and mathematics, against an England average of 8%. Those are not marginal gains, they suggest a cohort being stretched well beyond the basics.

The school’s Christian identity is visible in day to day routines, but the admissions policy and Church school inspection evidence both emphasise welcome for families of any faith or none, alongside an expectation of respect for the ethos.

A “small school with a big heart” is the school’s own framing, and it aligns with the external picture of a calm, community minded setting where pupils feel they belong.

Christian language is not confined to a poster on a wall. The Church school inspection report describes a shared idea of “building on firm foundations”, linked to the parable of the wise builder; pupils and adults use that language when talking about learning and personal development. This matters because it gives children a memorable structure for what the school expects, not just academically, but in how they behave and how they treat others.

Leadership opportunities appear to be a big driver of the school’s tone. The same Church school report highlights roles such as buddies for younger pupils, plus house, sports and class responsibilities, and connects these to high expectations and behaviour. In a small school, these roles tend to be more than tokenism because every child can see themselves moving into responsibility as they grow.

Headteacher Tom Powell is listed as the current head in government records and school communications. Local reporting indicated he was due to take up the role in September 2024, following the previous head.

This is a high performing primary on the measures provided.

KS2 combined measure (2024)

90% reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, well above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard (2024)

46.67% achieved the higher standard in reading, writing and mathematics, compared with 8% across England. For parents, that suggests not only that most pupils are secure, but that a large share are working at greater depth.

Scaled scores (2024)

reading 109, mathematics 109, and grammar, punctuation and spelling 105. These are presented as cohort averages and support the view that outcomes are strong across core areas, not concentrated in one subject.

Rankings context

Lewknor ranks 2,133rd in England and 1st locally (Watlington) for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking, derived from official performance data). This places the school comfortably within the top 25% of primaries in England.

If you are comparing nearby options, FindMySchool’s local area hub and comparison tools are useful for checking whether this performance pattern is distinctive locally, or part of a wider high achieving cluster.

Curriculum design has to work harder in a small school, particularly where mixed age classes are used. The latest inspection evidence describes leaders thinking carefully about how pupils build knowledge across subjects, and setting out clear expectations for what pupils should know and remember at each stage. The implication for families is that small size does not have to mean a narrow offer, provided sequencing is deliberate.

Early reading looks like a priority. A recently introduced phonics approach is described as teaching sounds in a logical order from the start, with regular sessions and detailed checks to identify who needs extra support. This matters because in small schools, early reading can be disproportionately influential, it shapes confidence and access to the wider curriculum.

The Church school inspection report adds useful colour on what pupils encounter in English. It describes an English curriculum rooted in high quality texts that bring in themes such as asylum, equality, diversity and sustainability, alongside enrichment including theatre visits in Oxford and careers visitors. For parents, that points to learning that tries to push beyond the immediate village context, which can be a genuine strength in rural settings.

For most families, the key transition is Year 6 to Year 7. The school’s admissions policy states that the majority of pupils move on to Icknield Community College in Watlington, described as a mixed comprehensive, with partnership events and several Year 6 visits as part of induction. This is practical, reassuring information for parents who want a smooth handover and a familiar receiving school.

Beyond that “majority route”, Oxfordshire’s coordinated secondary admissions and transport rules can shape choices significantly, especially for villages where nearest school and designated area school can differ. It is worth checking transport eligibility early if you are weighing schools in different directions.

Reception entry is coordinated by Oxfordshire County Council, rather than handled directly by the school. The school’s admissions page points families to the council’s application route and also links to the in year transfer process.

Demand is the main story. For the Reception entry route there were 46 applications for 11 offers, which equates to 4.18 applications per place, and the school is recorded as oversubscribed. The practical implication is that even families who like the school should plan in parallel, and should not assume availability because the school is small.

For September 2026 entry (Oxfordshire primary applications), the council announced a deadline of 15 January 2026, with national offer day on 16 April 2026.

Parents using FindMySchoolMap Search can also sense check their home location against likely local patterns. While distance cut offs vary year to year, mapping early can prevent wasted preference choices.

Support in a small primary is often strongest when routines are consistent and relationships are stable. The latest inspection evidence describes high expectations for behaviour, pupils responding positively, and behaviour that is kind and respectful. A calm climate is not just “nice to have”, it protects learning time and can make a big difference for children who are anxious or easily distracted.

Special educational needs support is described as an area being strengthened, with pupils’ needs understood and pupils with additional needs achieving well, but with some inconsistency in how effectively individual needs are met in class. That is useful nuance for parents: the intent is positive, but it is sensible to ask how support is implemented day to day for your child’s specific needs.

The Church school inspection report also notes engagement with external support agencies such as occupational therapy and speech and language professionals. In a village school context, this kind of external linkage can be a key part of making provision workable.

Wraparound and clubs are well signposted, which is helpful for working families. Breakfast Club is listed as running 8.00am to 8.45am, with an After School Club running 3.20pm to 5.30pm on weekdays during term time.

In terms of club identity, there is enough specificity to feel real rather than generic. The school lists Creation Station, an art club on Tuesdays from 3.20pm to 4.20pm, plus a rotating set of teacher led clubs that can include running, Lego, gardening, cricket and creative writing. There is also an inflatable football lunchtime club, and a drama club referenced via end of term activity. The implication is a mix of practical, low barrier options and creative outlets, which suits a wide spread of interests in a small cohort.

Faith life is also part of the weekly rhythm. The Church school inspection report notes the parish church being used for collective worship twice a week, and describes worship themes planned across each term, accessible to those of all faiths and none.

The published school day starts with breakfast club from 8.00am, children arriving on site from 8.40am, and a start of day at 8.50am, with pick up at 3.20pm. Teacher led after school clubs, where running, typically sit in the 3.20pm to 4.20pm window, and the later after school club continues to 5.30pm.

For families thinking about logistics, Lewknor is a village setting and the school highlights access to nature as part of its offer. In practice, that usually translates to outdoor learning opportunities and a sense of space that is harder to replicate in more urban primaries.

• Competition for places. With 4.18 applications per place for Reception entry can be the limiting factor even for families who are a strong fit on ethos and values.

• SEND support consistency. Evidence points to strengthening practice, but with some inconsistency in how well individual needs are met in class; families of children with specific needs should ask detailed questions about day to day strategies and review cycles.

• Small school dynamics. A roll of 77 can be brilliant for feeling known, but it can also mean fewer friendship options in each year group; it is worth thinking about what your child needs socially as well as academically.

• Church school rhythm. Collective worship and church links are a genuine part of the week. Families of any faith or none are welcomed, but the Christian framing is not optional background.

For a rural village primary, Lewknor’s academic outcomes are unusually strong, with a particularly high share of pupils working at greater depth by the end of Key Stage 2. Pastoral culture is framed around kindness, responsibility and a clearly articulated Church school vision, with clubs and wraparound care that are practical for family life.

Who it suits: families who want a small, community rooted Church of England primary with high expectations and a calm tone, and who are ready to engage early with admissions because places are limited.