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South Moreton Primary School, Didcot

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Ages 5–11

South Moreton Primary School is a primary school for pupils aged 5 to 11 in Didcot, part of Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust. Its most recent Ofsted inspection, in January 2026, ended in a report card: 7 strong standard. Before that it was rated Good at its last graded inspection, in November 2013. Its 2025 Key Stage 2 results were the 6th-highest of the 12 schools in Didcot with published results, and 6,591st of 14,452 across England. It was 67% full in 2025.

SATs results
In line with England
Ofsted report card
7 of 7 areas strong or better
Demand
Every first choice offered
Attendance
Better than England average
New inspections, open days and news, by email.

Reception applications for September 2027 close in 80 days

Deadline Friday 15 January 2027. Apply to Oxfordshire (the council where you live). Offers on 16 April.

Data last updated 26 Oct 2026

South Moreton Primary School in detail

What Ofsted's report card says

Ofsted's report card from its 13 January 2026 inspection grades South Moreton Primary School on 7 areas: 7 strong standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Achievement - Strong standard. "Pupils achieve well in national tests."

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Attendance is high for pupils across the school, including pupils who are more vulnerable."

Curriculum and teaching - Strong standard. "The curriculum is ambitious for all pupils and goes well beyond the expectations of the national curriculum."

Early years - Strong standard. "Early years is a joyful and harmonious space."

Inclusion - Strong standard. "When leaders think about their school, inclusion comes first."

Leadership and governance - Strong standard. "Leaders exhibit a relentless professional curiosity in their search for improvement."

Personal development and wellbeing - Strong standard. "Pupils' personal development and wellbeing are a strength of the school."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "• The school should continue to embed both its impactful research-driven school improvement and professional development in order to develop the very best practice and to contribute to system-wide improvement".

Read the full report card on Ofsted's site (school website)

Source: Ofsted report card (Open Government Licence), quoted

South Moreton Primary School in its own words

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, netball, rugby, hockey, tennis, badminton, multi-sports, dance, drama and choir.

The school runs a breakfast club from 8:00am and after-school care.

Clubs (school website)Wraparound care (school website)

Source: The school's own website

Results

In 2025, 88% of Year 6 pupils at South Moreton Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 69% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 78% and 75% in Oxfordshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (77% in reading, 77% in maths).

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

Getting a place at South Moreton Primary School

For September 2026 entry, 11 families put South Moreton Primary School as their first choice and 44 named it as one of their preferences, for 13 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

Admissions history and your chances at South Moreton Primary School

Compared with nearby schools

The nearest other state primary schools to South Moreton Primary School are Cholsey Primary School (1.9 miles, Good, 73% reading, 70% maths); All Saints Church of England Primary School (2.1 miles, 85% reading, 90% maths); Hagbourne Church of England Primary School (2.1 miles, 90% reading, 93% maths); and Brightwell-Cum-Sotwell Church of England Primary School (2.2 miles, Good, 91% reading, 87% maths).

South Moreton Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 4 schools.

Cholsey Primary SchoolAll Saints Church of England Primary SchoolHagbourne Church of England Primary SchoolBrightwell-Cum-Sotwell Church of England Primary School

The trust

South Moreton Primary School is one of 46 schools run by Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 59% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

All 46 schools in Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust

What parents say

49 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about South Moreton Primary School (as of April 2026): 84% would recommend the school, 86% say their child is happy there and 25% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (86%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (25%).

Who goes there

14.8% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 22 pupils (19.1%) received SEN support and 3 (2.6%) 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.

Getting there

The nearest railway station is Cholsey Rail Station, about 2.1 miles away in a straight line.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is The Crown (outside), 140 metres away.

The area around the school

In August 2026, police recorded 0 crimes within a mile of the school. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Oxfordshire (52).

Suspensions and exclusions

South Moreton Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

Sources: DfE school performance data (averages: state mainstream schools); DfE school-level applications and offers; council admissions booklets; DfE appeals statistics; DfE multi-academy trust performance data; Ofsted Parent View; DfE school census and special educational needs statistics; NaPTAN (Department for Transport); English Indices of Deprivation 2025 (MHCLG); data.police.uk street-level crime; DfE exclusions statistics

Location

Every family who put it first was offered a place for 2026 entry, so distance did not limit places that year.

Key Information

DfE GIAS
Head:Cheryl Sanchez
Pupils:115
LA:Oxfordshire
Phone:01235813110
Address:High Street, South Moreton, Didcot, OX11 9AG
Trust:OXFORD DIOCESAN SCHOOLS TRUST (46 schools)
Status:open
Opened:1 June 2017

Ofsted Rating

Ofsted · 9 months ago

Report card - no single overall grade (Ofsted's framework since November 2025)

Safeguarding standards met

  • AchievementStrong standard
  • Attendance and behaviourStrong standard
  • Curriculum and teachingStrong standard
  • Early yearsStrong standard
  • InclusionStrong standard
  • Leadership and governanceStrong standard
  • Personal development and wellbeingStrong standard

Safeguarding standards: met

Inspected 13 January 2026View full report
URN:144547
UKPRN:10064019
Diocese:Not applicable
Constituency:Didcot and Wantage
Urban/Rural:Smaller rural: Further from a major town or city

Ofsted's report card, in its own words

What it's like to be a pupil at South Moreton Primary School

Pupils are very happy to be part of this school. They feel safe and attend well. Pupils know what to do if they have concerns and value the way that they are so well known by all staff. Pupils consider bullying to be almost unheard of, but are certain that, should it arise, the school would quickly and effectively deal with it. Pupils enjoy their learning and their time together. The school values kindness, and pupils are respectful towards each other. Pupils meet the school's high expectations for their behaviour. They support each other and celebrate each other's achievements. For example, they take pride in how their own, and their friends', artwork is displayed in the main hall. They are eager to describe what they learn and techniques that they use. Pupils' learning is broad and goes well beyond the expectations of the national curriculum. Extra clubs and activities are plentiful, and pupil participation is high. Many learn musical instruments. Vulnerable pupils, such as those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils, are very well supported. As a result, they are as confident and as well prepared for their next steps as other pupils. Pupils value their assembly time because these sessions help them to know what is expected of them. They learn about fundamental British values and are well prepared for life in modern Britain. Similarly, pupils are taught to recognise their emotions and how they impact themselves and others. Pupils are empathetic and understand that everyone has their ups and downs, leading to a kind and supportive atmosphere. Pupils are articulate, sociable and love conversation. They enjoy discussing varied topics, such as the book they are reading or if pineapple has a place on pizza. Children in Reception are equally chatty and are proud to show their writing and play, or to talk about favourite stories.

What Ofsted says the school should do next

  • • The school should continue to embed both its impactful research-driven school improvement and professional development in order to develop the very best practice and to contribute to system-wide improvement.

From Ofsted's report card (inspection 13 January 2026). Read the full report Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Ofsted Insights

From Ofsted's January 2026 inspection report.

What This School Does Well

South Moreton Primary School excels at creating an inclusive, happy environment where all children thrive. Teachers expertly tailor their teaching to support every learner, including those who need extra help with reading, writing or maths. The school goes beyond academic learning to develop confident, resilient pupils with strong values and a genuine love of learning.

Key Strengths

  • Excellent pupil behaviour and a strong positive learning culture where pupils are engaged and respectful
  • High achievement in national tests, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with special needs
  • Ambitious curriculum that goes beyond national expectations and is highly inclusive for all learners
  • Outstanding early years provision with strong focus on reading, writing and mathematics foundations
  • Exceptional inclusion practices with individualised support that removes barriers to learning

Safeguarding

Safeguarding standards are met - the school has created an open and positive culture of safeguarding where all legal requirements are met and pupils feel safe.

Extracurricular Activities

School council, eco council, house captain roles, assemblies, news and global citizenship work, enrichment opportunities including Remembrance Day and sleep education, clubs and activities

South Moreton Primary School is a high-performing primary school that achieves strong standards across all areas, with particular success for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs. The school creates a joyful, inclusive learning environment where pupils are happy, well-behaved, and confident learners.

At a Glance

14.8%

Free School Meals

No

Boarding

No

Nursery

No

Sixth Form

No

Special Measures

What Parents Think

49 responses
Would recommend84%
Child is happy86%
Feels safe86%
Well behaved80%
Bullying dealt with (of parents with a view)25%
Kept informed69%
Handles concerns (of parents who raised one)78%

Source: Ofsted Parent View, responses as at April 2026 - % who strongly agree or agree

Primary Performance (KS2)

Academic year 2024/25

KS2 Results (% meeting expected standard)

2024
2025
Reading+11ppMaths-8ppWriting+3pp

Reading has improved from 77% to 88% (2024 to 2025). Maths has declined from 77% to 69% (2024 to 2025). Writing has remained stable at around 88% (2024 to 2025).

Class Sizes

23.0

Avg class size

22.0

Infant (KS1)

23.7

KS2

5

Total classes

2025/26 academic year

How Does This School Compare?

Ranked against 5 nearby primary schools

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Latest from South Moreton Primary School

From South Moreton Primary School's website. School Signal is not affiliated with the school.

Social & online

Keep up with South Moreton Primary School

Term dates

South Moreton Primary School is an academy, so it sets its own term dates: check the school's website. As a guide, see Oxfordshire's term dates for its community schools.

Getting There

Bus Stops

The Crown (o/s)
139m · 2 min walk
Kirby Close (adj)
271m · 4 min walk
Village Hall (opp)
989m · 16 min walk

Free school transport

Check free transport to South Moreton Primary School from your postcode →

You apply to the council where you live. South Moreton Primary School is in Oxfordshire; for families living there:

Safety and surroundings

Road collisions within 500 m (2021 to 2025)

Collisions
1
Fatal
0
Serious
1
Children hurt
0

Within 500 m of the school's mapped location, police recorded 1 road collision in which someone was injured in 2021 to 2025: none fatal, 1 serious and 0 slight.

No children aged 0 to 15 were among the people hurt.

1 of the collisions happened on a weekday between 08:00 and 09:30 or 14:45 and 16:30, holidays included.

The typical figure for schools in Oxfordshire is 5 (the median across 369 schools, same distance and years).

Serious and slight counts use the Department for Transport's severity adjustment, which allows for changes in how police forces record injuries; they are estimates, rounded to whole numbers. Distances are in a straight line. Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19), Open Government Licence v3.0.

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Commute and house prices

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Your chances of a place at South Moreton Primary School

Will you get a place at South Moreton Primary School? Get the admissions report

Your home postcode, set against South Moreton Primary School's admissions figures, in one report saved to your account.

What the report includes for South Moreton Primary School:

  • The straight-line distance from your home to South Moreton Primary School.
  • We hold no last distance offered figures from Oxfordshire, so the report covers demand, alternatives and dates.
  • Applications, first choices and offers at South Moreton Primary School for 2017 to 2026 entry.
  • How many families in Oxfordshire got their first choice, and how often appeals there succeed.
  • The nearest state schools to your home, with Ofsted rating, demand and last distance offered where published.
  • Key dates for September 2027 entry and how to apply.

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Capacity & Demand

School Occupancy

67%

Available places

117 pupils

175 places

58 spare places in 2025

2025, DfE school capacity data

Area Demand Pressure - Didcot

Low pressure
New homes approved:1,102
Projected new pupils:276

Based on MHCLG Live Table 122 (2024-25, last 5 years) for Didcot

Across Oxfordshire council

Low demand council-wide0.80 applications per place

Places available

8,615

Applications

6,903

Got 1st preference

94.0%

Got preferred school

99.3%

All primary applications across Oxfordshire council (2026/27), not just this school.

This school: Every first choice offered

Inspection History(4)

13 January 2026Report card
Inclusion
Curriculum & teaching
Achievement
Attendance & behaviour
Personal development
Early years
Leadership & governance
6 October 2021

Ungraded inspection: The school remains Good.

6 June 2017

SEND & SEN Provision

SEN Overview

22

SEN Support

3

EHC Plans

21.7%

of Total Pupils

2026 academic year

Provision & Specialist Facilities

No specialist provision recorded

Pupils by Need Type

Speech, Language & Communication11
Specific Learning Difficulty6
Social, Emotional & Mental Health5
Autistic Spectrum Disorder3
EHC Plan
SEN Support

Pupil Demographics

Ethnicity

White British
80.0%
Mixed
4.4%
Chinese
0.9%
Unclassified
4.3%

2026 academic year

Key Indicators

Free School Meals14.8%
English as Additional Language13.0%

115

Total Pupils

52

Boys

63

Girls

2026 academic year

Workforce

6

Teachers

19.2:1

Pupil-teacher ratio

£54,751

Mean salary

2026 data

School Funding

£6,175

Per pupil

£789k

Total funding

£26k

Pupil premium

Deprivation£28,217
EAL funding£7,198
Sparsity£25,000
Lump sum£148,458

2025-26 financial year allocations

Pupil Absence
2024/25

3.5%

Overall absence

2.9%

Persistent absence

104

Enrolments

Authorised3.0%
Unauthorised0.6%
Persistent (10%+)2.9%
Severe (50%+)0.0%

Absence trend

3.1%
18/19
2.4%
20/21
4.5%
21/22
5.4%
22/23
4.0%
23/24
3.5%
24/25
Overall absence rate

Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.

Questions parents ask about South Moreton Primary School

What are SATs results like at South Moreton Primary School?

Of the pupils at South Moreton Primary School who took the 2025 Key Stage 2 assessments, 88% reached the expected standard in reading and 69% did so in maths.

What is South Moreton Primary School's Ofsted rating?

South Moreton Primary School's most recent Ofsted inspection, in January 2026, produced a report card, which grades each area but gives no overall grade. At its last graded inspection, in November 2013, it was rated Good.

What is the catchment area for South Moreton Primary School?

No fixed boundary. When South Moreton Primary School is oversubscribed, Oxfordshire allocates places by its published criteria, usually ending with home-to-school distance.

Is it hard to get a place at South Moreton Primary School?

South Moreton Primary School was not full in 2025: it ran at 67% of its 175 places.

How big are the classes at South Moreton Primary School?

Classes at South Moreton Primary School average 23 pupils (2025/26).

How many pupils go to South Moreton Primary School?

South Moreton Primary School has around 115 pupils on roll. 15% are eligible for free school meals.

What is attendance like at South Moreton Primary School?

3.5% of sessions were missed at South Moreton Primary School in 2024/25. 2.9% of pupils were persistently absent (missing 10% or more of sessions).

How do I apply to South Moreton Primary School?

Apply through Oxfordshire's coordinated admissions process, naming South Moreton Primary School on your application. Applications for Reception places starting in September 2027 close on Friday 15 January 2027, and offers are made on Friday 16 April 2027.

How many road collisions happen near South Moreton Primary School?

Within 500 m of the school's mapped location, police recorded 1 road collision in which someone was injured in 2021 to 2025: none fatal, 1 serious and 0 slight. No children aged 0 to 15 were among the people hurt. 1 of the collisions happened on a weekday between 08:00 and 09:30 or 14:45 and 16:30, holidays included. The typical figure for schools in Oxfordshire is 5 (the median across 369 schools, same distance and years).

Where is South Moreton Primary School?

South Moreton Primary School is at High Street, South Moreton, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 9AG.

Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19)

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