Brightwalton C.E. Aided Primary School, Newbury

Ofsted's report card from its 9 June 2026 inspection grades Brightwalton C.E. Aided Primary School on 7 areas: 7 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Achievement - Expected standard. "By the end of key stage 2, pupils' reading, mathematics and writing, including handwriting are typically well developed."

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Leaders place a high priority on improving attendance and they understand the specific challenges that some families face to secure improvements."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "The school currently has a suitable, sequenced curriculum in all subjects."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum for the early years which supports development in the seven areas of the foundation stage curriculum."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders set a clear, inclusive vision that prioritises pupils' pastoral needs, so they are settled and are well prepared for learning."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders and governors foster a sense of community and shared values within the school."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Pupils speak confidently about kindness, respect and positive relationships."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that the task design of activities enables pupils to deepen their learning over time"; "Leaders should continue to embed strategies for developing writing and spelling in order to further strengthen pupils' achievement".

In 2025, 75% of Year 6 pupils at Brightwalton C.E. Aided Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 75% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 71% in West Berkshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 67% in reading and 60% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 8 families put Brightwalton C.E. Aided Primary School as their first choice and 13 named it as one of their preferences, for 8 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Brightwalton C.E. Aided Primary School are Chaddleworth St Andrew's C.E. Primary School (1.4 miles, Good); Shefford C.E. Primary School (3.3 miles, Good, 50% reading, 50% maths); Beedon C.E. (Controlled) Primary School (3.9 miles, Good, 60% reading, 60% maths); and The Ilsleys Primary School (4.2 miles, Good, 67% reading, 100% maths).

Brightwalton C.E. Aided Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 2 schools.

10.2% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 1.1% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 14 pupils (15.9%) received SEN support and 1 (1.1%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

Brightwalton C.E. Aided Primary School had 7 teachers in 2026, one for every 12 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Brightwalton C.E. Aided Primary School.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Brightwalton Village Hall (opposite), 60 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 0 crimes within a mile of the school. That is well below the typical figure around schools in West Berkshire (26).

Brightwalton C.E. Aided Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.