Sythwood Primary and Nursery School

About Sythwood Primary and Nursery School

Parents considering Sythwood Primary and Nursery School will find a school that is clearly popular locally. In the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 120 applications for just 52 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.31. Of those applications, 38 were first-preference choices, and the school offered places to all of them, which suggests that for families who put it first, it is a realistic option. The school has a Good rating from Ofsted, a grade it has held consistently across its two most recent inspections. Its most recent graded inspection was in 2013, and an ungraded inspection in 2021 confirmed the school remains Good. The headteacher, Nicola Matheson, leads a school with 527 pupils on roll, slightly above its official capacity of 510.

Academically, Sythwood performs solidly against national and local benchmarks. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 67% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is just above the Surrey local authority average of 66%. The school ranks 8th out of 20 primary schools in Woking on this measure, placing it in the top half locally. Average scores in reading and maths both came in at 107, and a notably high 88% of pupils met the expected standard in maths specifically. At the higher standard, 34% achieved in both reading and maths, though writing at the higher level was lower at 7%. Nationally, the school sits around the 40th percentile, meaning it performs better than roughly two-fifths of all primaries.

The school offers a broad range of facilities and activities, including art studios, music rooms, a gymnasium and a chapel. Sports provision is strong, with swimming, gymnastics, cricket and tennis among the options, and there are clubs for film, drama and choir. SEND provision is extensive, covering specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, speech and language needs, autism, and physical disabilities, plus a resourced provision. With a nursery on site for children from age two, it suits families looking for a full primary journey from early years through to Year 6. The 33.1% of pupils eligible for free school meals is above the national average, reflecting a diverse intake. For families who want a Good-rated school with strong maths outcomes and a wide range of support, Sythwood is a practical choice.

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