John Henry Newman Academy

About John Henry Newman Academy

John Henry Newman Academy is a Church of England primary in Oxford that clearly appeals to local families. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 69 applications for just 40 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.73. All 40 first-preference applicants were offered a place, which suggests that while the school is popular, it is not yet at the point where it is turning away families who put it first. Parent satisfaction data is not available in the school’s published records, but the healthy application numbers indicate a positive reputation in the community. The school is led by headteacher Katie Screaton and has a nursery provision for children from age three, making it a practical option for families looking for continuity from early years through to Year 6.

Academically, the school performs broadly in line with the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 61% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which matches the Oxfordshire local authority average of 61%. Individual subject scores are solid: 75% of pupils met the expected standard in both maths and writing, while 70% did so in reading. Average scaled scores of 103 in both reading and maths are exactly the national benchmark. The proportion of pupils achieving the higher standard is lower, at 14% in reading and 11% in both maths and writing. Nationally, the school ranks in the 54th percentile among primary schools, and within Oxfordshire it sits 17th out of 31 schools in its tier. Its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2024 confirmed the school remains Good, a significant improvement from its previous Requires Improvement rating in 2016.

The school offers a range of facilities including a library, playing fields, a sports hall, a chapel and a Forest School, which supports outdoor learning. Sports on offer include rounders, football, cricket, dance and gymnastics, while clubs extend to drama, gardening, choir and book club. For families with children who have additional needs, the school provides support for a wide spectrum of conditions, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language communication needs, and social, emotional and mental health difficulties. With 37.8% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a relatively diverse intake. It is a good fit for families in Oxford who want a Church of England primary with strong SEND provision, a nursery on site, and a clear trajectory of improvement under stable leadership.

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