Barley Hill Primary School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 4 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Ludsden Grove, Thame, OX9 3DHOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Barley Hill Primary School is a primary school in Thame for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 359 schools in Oxfordshire. It ranks 92nd of 226 primary schools in Oxfordshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in April 2015.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 28 April 2015, report published 21 May 2015

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 14 January 2025

Pupils enjoy coming to this school. The school has high expectations for all pupils' achievement. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported well to ensure that they are fully engaged in their learning. Typically, pupils learn well, developing detailed knowledge and confidence in a range of skills. Pupils behave well. They live out the school's values and are respectful to staff and to each other. Staff establish strong relationships with pupils, and this helps pupils to feel safe. Pupils rightly know that there are adults to talk to if they have a worry, who will resolve any issues swiftly. The 'Friendship Stop' on the playground is used well during playtimes to help pupils find friends and join in games quickly. Pupils benefit from a rich array of different experiences, such as visits to local zoos and Roman villas. Pupils appreciate the opportunity to take on interesting leadership roles, including being house captains and values ambassadors. This helps them to learn about responsibility. Pupils attending the range of clubs, such as computing, dance and football, receive meaningful opportunities to build on their talents and interests. For example, pupils are proud of the many sporting trophies won in the local 'Thame League'.

What the school should improve

  • On occasion, some teachers' checks on pupils' learning are not as effective as they should be. They do not identify errors and misunderstanding. This affects how well pupils build knowledge over time, as teachers do not consistently address their gaps and misconceptions. The school should ensure that it supports teachers to check pupils' learning consistently well and to adjust their teaching appropriately so that pupils learn as well as the school intends them to.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

79 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths68%

68%, 6 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths9%

9%, 1 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score106

106, the same as the England average.

Maths, average scaled score105

105, the same as the England average.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score106

106, 1 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

482 pupils on roll, with places for 630

Eligible for free school meals16.4%

16.4%, 10.1 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language4.8%

4.8%, 16.8 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support19.3%

19.3%, 4.5 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan3.9%

3.9%, 2.1 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Barley Hill Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Thame0.4 milesOfsted judgements: Good63% met the expected standard
John Hampden Primary School0.4 milesOfsted: Good77% met the expected standard
Long Crendon School2 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstanding78% met the expected standard
Haddenham St Mary's Church of England School2 milesReport card: Expected standard to strong standardNot published
Haddenham Community Infant School3 milesOfsted: GoodNot published

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
4 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
No
Headteacher
Mrs Gemma Penny
Address
Ludsden Grove, Thame, OX9 3DH
Local authority
Oxfordshire
URN
123034

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.