Southwold Primary School

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 2 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Holm Way, Bicester, OX26 3UUOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Southwold Primary School is a primary school in Bicester for ages 2 to 11. It is one of the 359 schools in Oxfordshire. It ranks 10th of 16 primary schools in Bicester. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in January 2019.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 23 January 2019, report published 3 March 2019

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 March 2025

This is a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming school. Relationships are nurturing and pupils are happy here. The school's 'ACHIEVE' values underpin everything the school does. The school has high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Pupils achieve well across the subjects they study. The curriculum is broad and offers a stimulating range of subjects. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive effective support when they need it. Those pupils supported through the school's specialist resource provision, 'The Willows', follow a curriculum that is well suited to their needs. Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. Children in the early years settle quickly into routines and cooperate well together. Older pupils make a tangible contribution to the life of the school, acting as role models for their younger peers. Pupils are keen to participate in the wide range of clubs and activities that the school offers, including coding, football, science and music. They benefit from meaningful trips and visits. These enrich their learning, for example visits to the headquarters of an international car racing company, as part of their learning about engineering design.

What the school should improve

  • In a few subjects, recent changes to the curriculum are not delivered consistently. Where this is case, some pupils do not build and secure their knowledge and understanding as fully as they should. The school should ensure that staff have the knowledge and skills to deliver the curriculum in each subject effectively and confidently.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

40 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths60%

60%, 2 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths13%

13%, 5 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score103

103, 3 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score104

104, 1 below the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score104

104, 1 below the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

315 pupils on roll, with places for 420

Eligible for free school meals12.7%

12.7%, 13.8 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language28.3%

28.3%, 6.7 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support15.6%

15.6%, 0.8 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan11.4%

11.4%, 5.4 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Southwold Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Bure Park Primary School0.3 milesOfsted: Good69% met the expected standard
Glory Farm Primary School0.4 milesOfsted: Good55% met the expected standard
Gagle Brook Primary School0.7 milesOfsted: Good47% met the expected standard
Brookside Primary School0.8 milesOfsted judgements: Good58% met the expected standard
Longfields Primary and Nursery School0.8 milesOfsted: Good47% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
THE WHITE HORSE FEDERATION
Age range
2 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Iain Horner
Address
Holm Way, Bicester, OX26 3UU
Local authority
Oxfordshire
URN
142728

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.