William Morris Primary School

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

Bretch Hill, Banbury, OX16 0UZOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

William Morris Primary School is a primary school in Banbury for ages 2 to 11. It is one of the 359 schools in Oxfordshire. It ranks 8th of 32 primary schools in Banbury. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in September 2018.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 11 September 2018, report published 18 October 2018

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

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 1 July 2025

Pupils are extremely polite and friendly in this welcoming school. They are proud of their school and delight in showing it off to visitors. Relationships between staff and pupils are caring and kind. Most parents and carers rightly describe the school as an 'amazing community with great leaders and staff'. The school has high expectations of pupils' achievements. Pupils demonstrate a palpable love of learning and positive attitudes to school life. They achieve well and leave school well prepared for the next stage of their education. In classrooms and around the school, pupils conduct themselves with thought and consideration. The atmosphere is calm and productive. A wide range of educational visits, such as trips to Oxford and further afield, help pupils to develop their understanding of the wider world. Pupils learn about the careers they can pursue through work with professionals from different sectors, such as scientists, artists, musicians, engineers and athletes. Pupils enjoy developing their interests in a rich array of activities, including dance, singing, pottery and cricket clubs. They also grow herbs, salads and vegetables, which they enjoy as healthy snacks at the gardening club. Pupils raise donations for charities and the local food bank.

What the school should improve

  • The teaching of handwriting is variable, including in the early years. This means that some pupils do not secure the foundational knowledge of pencil grip, accurate letter formation and joining techniques well enough. The school should work with staff to improve teaching in this area so there is a consistent and effective approach to teaching early handwriting skills.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

24 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths71%

71%, 9 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths0%

0%, 8 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score105

105, 1 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score103

103, 2 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

240 pupils on roll, with places for 175

Eligible for free school meals22.1%

22.1%, 4.4 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language34.6%

34.6%, 13 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support14.6%

14.6%, 0.2 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan4.2%

4.2%, 1.8 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near William Morris Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Banbury0.5 milesOfsted judgements: Good50% met the expected standard
Hill View Primary School0.4 milesOfsted: Good56% met the expected standard
Hardwick Primary School and Nursery0.6 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstanding70% met the expected standard
Orchard Fields Community School0.6 milesOfsted: Good82% met the expected standard
Queensway School1 mileOfsted: Good74% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy sponsor led
Sector
Academy
Trust
GLF SCHOOLS
Age range
2 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Alastair Johns
Address
Bretch Hill, Banbury, OX16 0UZ
Local authority
Oxfordshire
URN
142409

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.