Preston Candover Church of England Primary School

About Preston Candover Church of England Primary School

Preston Candover Church of England Primary School is a small village primary with a distinctly local feel. It has 97 pupils on roll against a capacity of 145, meaning it is operating well below its physical limit. Only 4.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, a figure notably lower than the national average, reflecting the relatively affluent catchment area. Despite the spare capacity, the school is clearly popular with local families: for the 2025/26 intake, it received 29 applications for just 16 places, with all 15 first-preference applicants receiving an offer. That oversubscription ratio of 1.81 suggests strong demand from those who know the school best. The headteacher is Simrit Otway, and the school’s Church of England character is woven into its identity, with a chapel on site and a broad range of clubs including Eco Club and Book Club.

Academically, this is a high-performing primary. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023, the school was rated Good overall, with personal development judged Outstanding. The previous inspection in 2010 had awarded an Outstanding rating, so the current Good grade still represents a strong outcome. At Key Stage 2, every single pupil met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, and 14% reached the higher standard. Reading scores were particularly impressive, with an average scaled score of 114 and 86% of pupils achieving the higher standard. Maths also performed well, with an average score of 108 and 29% at the higher level. The school ranks first in Basingstoke and Deane out of 40 primaries, and third nationally out of nearly 14,000 schools, based on the proportion of pupils reaching the expected standard in all three subjects.

The school offers a practical, outward-looking environment. Facilities include an ICT suite, music rooms, a forest school area and an outdoor playground, with sports such as swimming, tennis and gymnastics on the curriculum. SEND provision covers specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, and speech, language and communication needs, as well as social, emotional and mental health support. There is no nursery or sixth form, and the school does not offer boarding. For families seeking a Church of England primary with strong academic outcomes and a genuine community feel, Preston Candover is a compelling choice, particularly for those who value small class sizes and a broad range of extracurricular activities. Its oversubscription status means early application is advisable.

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