Aston Rowant Church of England Primary School

About Aston Rowant Church of England Primary School

Aston Rowant Church of England Primary School is clearly a popular choice among local families. In the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 71 applications for just 15 places, giving it an oversubscription ratio of 4.73. Of those, 14 offers went to first-preference applicants, with 16 families listing it as their top choice. That level of demand suggests a strong reputation in the South Oxfordshire area. The school itself is small, with 91 pupils on roll against a capacity of 105, so classes are intimate and places are genuinely competitive. While the school does not publish a parent-view recommendation score, the sheer number of applications — more than four times the places available — speaks volumes about how local families perceive it. For parents weighing up options, this is a school that people actively want to get into, and the data backs that up.

Academically, Aston Rowant performs solidly, though not at the very top of the local league. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 59% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is just below the Oxfordshire local authority average of 61%. The school ranks 30th out of 48 primary schools in South Oxfordshire on this metric, placing it in the bottom half of the local authority. However, reading is a clear strength: 94% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, and 35% reached the higher standard — well above typical levels. Average reading and maths scores were 108 and 101 respectively. In its most recent graded inspection in 2017, Ofsted rated the school Good overall, and an ungraded inspection in 2022 confirmed it remains Good. Leadership and management, early years provision, and overall effectiveness all received Good ratings, and the school has held this rating consistently across both its inspections.

The school offers a range of facilities that add practical value for families. There is an ICT suite, art studios, a chapel, and an outdoor playground, plus a Forest School programme that gives children regular outdoor learning time. Sports provision includes football, cricket, swimming, athletics and tennis, and there are clubs such as Eco Club, Book Club and Chess. For children with additional needs, the school lists support for moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, and speech, language and communication difficulties. With only 14.3% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the intake is relatively advantaged compared with some local schools. Aston Rowant is a Church of England primary, so it will appeal particularly to families who value a faith-based setting. Given its small size and high demand, parents should apply early and consider it a realistic first choice only if they live close enough to meet the admissions criteria.

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