Aston Fence Junior and Infant School

About Aston Fence Junior and Infant School

Aston Fence Junior and Infant School is clearly a popular choice among local families. In the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 104 applications for just 30 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 3.47. Of those, 33 families put it as their first preference, and all 30 first-preference offers were taken up. That level of demand suggests a strong reputation in the Rotherham area. The school is a state primary for mixed-gender pupils aged 4 to 11, with a capacity of 210 and currently 207 pupils on roll. Just over 10% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is below the national average. The headteacher is C L Dawson, and the school has no religious character. Parents considering Aston Fence will find a school that is not only oversubscribed but also holds the highest possible Ofsted rating, which is often a key factor in family decision-making.

Academically, Aston Fence performs well above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 73% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Rotherham local authority average of 60%. This places the school 19th out of 84 primary schools in the area, putting it in the top 25% locally. At the higher standard, 10% of pupils achieved that level across all three subjects. In individual subjects, 90% met the expected standard in maths, with an average scaled score of 108, while 80% did so in reading (average score 106) and 83% in writing. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, in February 2024, awarded Outstanding across every category: overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This is a clean sweep of top grades, and the school has held an Outstanding rating since at least its previous inspection in 2012.

The school offers a solid range of facilities, including a gymnasium, dining hall, outdoor playground, sensory room, library, art studios, playing fields and a chapel. Sports on offer include tennis, athletics, rounders, dance, cross country, netball and swimming, and there are clubs such as film, art, gardening and eco club. For pupils with additional needs, the school has SEND provision for moderate learning difficulty, social emotional and mental health needs, speech language and communication needs, autistic spectrum disorder, and other difficulties or disabilities. There is no nursery or sixth form, and it is not a boarding school. Given its strong academic outcomes, Outstanding Ofsted record and high demand for places, Aston Fence is likely to suit families who prioritise a well-regarded local primary with proven results and a broad extracurricular offer. The oversubscription means applying as a first preference is advisable.

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