Old Basing Infant School

About Old Basing Infant School

Old Basing Infant School is clearly a popular choice among local families, and the numbers back that up. For its 2025/26 reception intake, the school received 156 applications for just 80 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.95. That means nearly two families applied for every spot, and of those, 66 were first-preference offers. While the data doesn't include a specific parent recommendation percentage, this level of demand is a strong signal in itself. The school is a state primary for mixed-gender pupils aged 4 to 7, with a current roll of 261 children against a capacity of 270, so it's running very close to full. Headteacher Sonia Denning leads a school that, in its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2022, was rated Good overall, with every category — quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision — all judged Good. That's a solid, consistent picture.

Academically, the school's most recent Ofsted report gives a clear view of its performance. The quality of education was rated Good, and early years provision also came in at Good. The previous inspection, back in 2008, had awarded Outstanding overall, so the current rating represents a step down, but it's worth noting that the 2022 inspection was a full graded inspection under a tougher framework. For parents looking at outcomes, the local authority average for Key Stage 2 attainment across Hampshire primary schools is 61, though as an infant school Old Basing only covers up to Year 2, so its pupils won't sit KS2 SATs. Instead, the focus is on the early years foundation stage and phonics screening, where the school's Good rating suggests solid foundations. The school has a very low proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals at just 3.1%, which is well below the national average, and this context may influence its results profile.

On the practical side, Old Basing Infant School offers a good range of facilities including a sensory room, playing fields, art studios, a library, an ICT suite, and an outdoor playground. There's also a chapel on site. Sports provision covers rounders, gymnastics, netball, tennis, and athletics, while extracurricular clubs include coding, science club, chess, choir, art club, and book club. For children with additional needs, the school has identified SEND provisions for moderate learning difficulty and speech, language and communication needs. The school is not a boarding school, has no nursery provision, and no sixth form. Given its oversubscription, families living closest to the school will have the best chance of securing a place. For those who miss out, the nearest Outstanding-rated school is St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Aided Junior School, just 0.2 km away, which covers the older primary years. This school suits families who want a focused infant-only setting with strong community demand and a broad range of activities.

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