Colden Common Primary School

About Colden Common Primary School

Colden Common Primary School is clearly a popular choice among local families. For entry in 2025/26, the school received 95 applications for just 44 places, an oversubscription ratio of 2.16, meaning more than two families applied for every spot. Of those, 43 were first-preference applications, and 43 first-preference offers were made, suggesting that almost every family who put it first secured a place. While the school does not publish a parent recommendation percentage, this level of demand is a strong signal in itself. The school is led by headteacher Carly Redfern and was rated Good in its most recent graded Ofsted inspection in 2012, with a subsequent ungraded inspection in 2023 confirming it remains Good. Its previous inspection in 2008 had rated it Outstanding, so the current Good rating reflects a change, but the school has held that standard consistently since at least 2012.

Academically, Colden Common performs well above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 72% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to the Hampshire local authority average of 61%. The school also excels at the higher standard, with 15% of pupils achieving that level across all three subjects. In reading, the average score was 108, with 48% reaching the higher standard. In maths, the average score was 106, with 37% at the higher standard. Writing saw 18% at the higher standard. Nationally, the school ranks in the top 26% of all primary schools for the combined expected standard, and within the Winchester local authority it ranks 7th out of 35 schools, placing it in the top 20% locally. These results place it among the stronger primary options in the area.

The school offers a broad range of facilities including an ICT suite, library, gymnasium, outdoor playground, and a Forest School, which supports outdoor learning. Sports provision includes gymnastics, netball, football, swimming, cricket and dance, while clubs cover Eco Club, Book Club and Drama. For children with additional needs, the school has specific provisions for dyslexia, speech, language and communication needs, social, emotional and mental health support, and physical disabilities. With 410 pupils against a capacity of 420, the school is nearly full but not overcrowded. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 10.7%, slightly below the national average. Colden Common is a good fit for families seeking a well-regarded, oversubscribed state primary with strong academic outcomes and a solid range of enrichment activities, particularly those who value outdoor learning through the Forest School programme.

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