Drove Primary School

About Drove Primary School

Drove Primary School is clearly a popular choice among local families, with 162 applications chasing just 72 places for the 2025/26 intake, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.25. Of those, 69 first-preference families received offers, which suggests that for many, it is their top pick. The school does not have a parent-view survey result available in the data, but the sheer demand tells its own story. Headteacher Bryony Bardwell leads a large primary with 731 pupils on roll, well above its official capacity of 630, which further underscores its draw. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in 2024 rated it Good overall, with personal development judged Outstanding. That is a notable shift from its previous inspection in 2012, when it was rated Outstanding across the board, so the current Good rating reflects a slight dip in some areas, but the personal development grade remains top-tier.

Academically, Drove performs solidly against local benchmarks. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 67% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is above the Swindon local authority average of 62%. The school ranks 22nd out of 51 primary schools in the LA, placing it in the top half. Average scores in reading and maths both sit at 105, and 84% of pupils met the expected standard in maths specifically, a strong showing. At the higher standard, 23% achieved in maths and 27% in reading, though the combined higher-standard figure is 7%. Progress scores are not available in the data, so it is not possible to say how much value the school adds relative to pupils’ starting points, but the raw outcomes are comfortably above the LA norm.

The school offers a wide range of facilities including a Forest School, library, gymnasium, music rooms, ICT suite and an outdoor playground, plus a chapel. Sports provision covers athletics, dance, cricket, netball, football and tennis, and there is a good selection of clubs from choir and chess to science, gardening and art. For families with children who have additional needs, Drove lists support for eight different SEND categories, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language needs, and physical disabilities. The school also has nursery provision for children from age two. Given its oversubscription, families living closest to the school will have the strongest chance of a place, and those looking for a large, well-resourced primary with above-average outcomes and strong personal development should put it high on their list.

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