Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery vs Parsons Down Junior School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in South East, England, 1.4 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery
Newbury · Academy primary · Ages 3–11
239 students
Parsons Down Junior School
Thatcham · Local authority primary · Ages 7–11
139 students
| Measure | Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery Newbury, South East | Parsons Down Junior School Thatcham, South East |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 26 Lower 50% | 23 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #2135 of 2,471 | #2220 of 2,471 |
| National rank | #13040 of 15,697 | #13562 of 15,697 |
| Sector | Academy | Local authority |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Ages 3–11 | Ages 7–11 |
| Students | 239 | 139 |
| Pupils on roll | 239 | 139 |
| Free school meals | 33.5% | 17.3% |
| Capacity filled | 113.8% | 92.7% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | 53% | 39% |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | 3% | 2% |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | – | – |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | – | – |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | – | – |
| EBacc average points | – | – |
| A level points per entry | – | – |
| town | Newbury | Thatcham |
| region | South East | South East |
| Website | www.firtreeschool.co.uk/ | www.pdp.w-berks.sch.uk |
The verdict
- •Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery scores higher on the Success Index (England) (25.7 vs 22.8).
- •Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery does better on ks2: reading, writing & maths expected standard (53% vs 39%).
- •Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery does better on ks2: higher standard (3% vs 2%).
- •Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery is the larger school with 239 students compared with 139.
- •Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery is a academy school while Parsons Down Junior School is a local authority school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery better than Parsons Down Junior School?
On the Success Index (England), Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery ranks higher (25.7 vs 22.8 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery and Parsons Down Junior School?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Newbury and Thatcham in South East.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery: 239. Parsons Down Junior School: 139. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery and Parsons Down Junior School rank in South East?
Fir Tree Primary School and Nursery is 2135th of 2,471 and Parsons Down Junior School is 2220th of 2,471 among primary schools in South East on the 2025 Success Index (England).