Marnel Junior School, Basingstoke

In its own words: "Marnel Junior School believes in our school motto, 'Think, Believe, Persevere, Succeed' We provide a secure and stimulating learning environment for our children to enable them to succeed."

From the headteacher's welcome: "As an exciting and innovative four-form junior school in the heart of Popley, we pride ourselves on working hand-in-hand with our community. Together, we ensure our school is the absolute best it can be for our children. Our dedicated, approachable team always puts the care, safety, and happiness of our pupils first."

Coming up: an open evening on Thursday 5 November 2026, an open day on Monday 16 November 2026 at 9.30am and an open day on Thursday 19 November 2026 at 9.30am. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 75% of Year 6 pupils at Marnel Junior School reached the expected standard in reading and 75% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 75% in Hampshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (80% in reading, 75% in maths).

Across Hampshire, 93% of families were offered their first-choice primary school for 2026 entry, and 99% were offered one of the schools they named.

In 2026, families in Hampshire lodged 254 appeals against primary school offers; 146 reached a hearing and 8 succeeded (5.5% of those heard).

The nearest other state primary schools to Marnel Junior School are Marnel Community Infant School (under 0.1 miles, Outstanding); St Bede's Catholic Primary School (0.5 miles, Good, 96% reading, 94% maths); South View Infant and Nursery School (0.6 miles, Good); and South View Junior School (0.7 miles, Good, 63% reading, 85% maths).

Marnel Junior School's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 2 schools.

Marnel Junior School is one of 31 schools run by Bourne Education Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 66% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

40% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 26.1% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (62%), Black (12%) and Asian (10%).

In 2026, 46 pupils (10%) received SEN support and 35 (7.6%) 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 speech, language and communication needs.

The nearest railway station is Basingstoke Rail Station, about 1.2 miles away in a straight line.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Lawrence Close (ne-bound), 120 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 196 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Hampshire (72), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Marnel Junior School issued 8 suspensions, 1.7 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Marnel Junior School are Everest Community Academy (0.8 miles), The Vyne Community School (0.8 miles) and The Costello School (1.5 miles).