North Leigh Church of England School
Park Road, North Leigh, Witney, OX29 6SSOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
North Leigh Church of England School is a primary school in Witney for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 359 schools in Oxfordshire. It ranks 9th of 19 primary schools in Witney. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in February 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 2 February 2023, report published 16 March 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 2 February 2023
Pupils are at the heart of this happy, nurturing school. One pupil said, 'It is a school that makes you feel unique, but you also know that you belong to a special community.' Pupils grow in confidence as they progress from Reception to Year 6. They understand the school's values of respect, perseverance, creativity, honesty and community and enjoy how these are celebrated through school experiences and thoughtful events, such as weekly 'café assemblies'. Pupils talk enthusiastically about their lessons and say that they feel safe. They are kind and respectful to each other, and to adults around the school. Pupils know and understand the school rules. They value the many trips and school visitors that help them to learn about the curriculum. For example, a visit from an Antarctic explorer helped to bring a 'Shackleton' study to life. Relationships are a strength of the school. Pupils talk about equality in mature ways. One pupil described it as 'everyone getting what they need to be happy and thrive'. The acting headteacher's care and attention to detail ensures that behaviour is a strength and bullying is almost unheard of. If any incidents happen, pupils are confident that staff would always sort things out.
What the school should improve
- In some subject areas, leaders have not yet developed the curriculum so that knowledge is being taught precisely enough. This means that some pupils do not gain the depth of knowledge that they could. Leaders should continue to refine the curriculum and develop staff subject knowledge so that all pupils can achieve in line with leaders' high expectations.
- The new reading curriculum is still in the process of being fully implemented. As a result, a small number of disadvantaged pupils do not achieve as well as they could. Leaders should continue to develop phonics and early reading with a focus on disadvantaged pupils so that all pupils at the school achieve well.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
19 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
154 pupils on roll, with places for 210
Schools near North Leigh Church of England School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freeland Church of England Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 83% met the expected standard |
| Madley Brook Community Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 65% met the expected standard |
| Hanborough Manor CofE School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 58% met the expected standard |
| Hailey Church of England Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | 71% met the expected standard |
| Witney Community Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 83% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- OXFORD DIOCESAN SCHOOLS TRUST
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mr Ben McPherson
- Phone
- 01993881525
- Address
- Park Road, North Leigh, Witney, OX29 6SS
- Local authority
- Oxfordshire
- URN
- 142152
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.