Larkmead School
89%
Capacity
940
Pupils
2.8x
Demand
About Larkmead School
Larkmead School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Vale of White Horse community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 940 pupils on roll and is well-filled (89% of 1,060 places).
Ofsted has rated Larkmead School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Jonathan Dennett, it falls under Oxfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.02 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.1. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1470th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 8 in Vale of White Horse.
Larkmead School is a popular choice with families — it received 489 applications for 172 places, making it 2.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 188 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Larkmead School include Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Art Studios, Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Gymnasium, Sports Hall, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rowing, Swimming, Badminton, Dance and 5 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Young Enterprise, Choir, Chess and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 20.5%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Vale of White Horse, Larkmead School is one of the options available in the South East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Faringdon Road, Abingdon, Vale of White Horse, OX14 1RF |
| Headteacher | Jonathan Dennett |
| Local Authority | Oxfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 940 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 20.5% |
| School Capacity | 940 / 1,060 (89% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
27 Mar 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (27 Mar 2024): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 2 Mar 2015. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.02)
1470th of 3,141
Nationally
226th of 461
In South East
3rd of 8
In Vale of White Horse
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
36.9
'22/23
28.9
'23/24
29.6
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed172
489
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
188 families put this school as their 1st choice (38% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Larkmead School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Faringdon Road, Abingdon
Vale of White Horse, OX14 1RF
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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