Mill Lane Community Primary School

About Mill Lane Community Primary School

Mill Lane Community Primary School sits in the bottom half of Oxfordshire primary schools when it comes to the proportion of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at Key Stage 2. The school’s figure of 50% is noticeably below the local authority average of 61%, and it ranks 168th out of 242 similar schools in the county. That said, the picture is more nuanced than a single headline number suggests. In reading, 80% of pupils met the expected standard and the average score was 106, which is solid. Maths was weaker, with 70% reaching the expected level and an average score of 103. The real gap shows up at the higher standard: just 3% of children achieved greater depth across all three subjects, compared with 13% in maths alone and 33% in reading. So while the school is not pushing large numbers into the top tier, it is getting the majority of children to a secure baseline in reading and writing.

The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, in May 2025, rated it Good across every category that was judged: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. This is consistent with its previous inspection in 2011, which also awarded a Good overall. The Parent View survey, based on 95 responses collected between September 2024 and September 2025, is overwhelmingly positive. 95% of parents would recommend the school. On happiness, 95% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy, and 96% felt their child is safe. The school also scores well on communication: 95% of parents agreed the school lets them know how their child is doing, and 91% agreed they are made aware of what their child will learn. Concerns are dealt with properly according to 57% of those who expressed a view, though a notable 7% disagreed.

Mill Lane is a popular school, oversubscribed for the 2025/26 intake with 97 applications for 29 places and a ratio of 3.34 applicants per place. 20 of those 30 first-preference families were offered a spot. The school has a nursery provision and caters for children from age 3 to 11. Its facilities include a forest school, art studios, music rooms, a sports hall and playing fields, and it offers clubs in science, drama and choir. Sports on offer include football, netball, swimming and tennis. The school has identified SEND provisions for specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social and emotional mental health needs, and speech and language communication needs. 22% of responding parents said their child has SEND, and 81% of those agreed the school gives them the support they need. With a below-average FSM rate of 9.6% and a capacity of 210 against 228 pupils, the school is running slightly over its official number. It suits families who value a strong pastoral environment and consistent Good teaching over high-stakes academic stretch.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Mill Lane Community Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents