Archbishop Wake Church of England Primary School
Blandford Forum, DT11 8SW · Dorset · primary school
Check the area around this school
20th of 79 primary schools in Dorset we can score, 119 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.3/10 against 2,617 of them, against 5.4/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 64.0 · 49 | 40% | 1.97 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Archbishop Wake Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, matching the national median of 64%. A higher 9.0% achieved the higher standard, compared to the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 411 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
With 9 places currently available, how does the school manage waiting lists for the next academic year? Since the last inspection was in 2023, what specific improvements have been made to the curriculum since then? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about Archbishop Wake Church of England Primary School
Overview
Archbishop Wake Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school, where leaders maintain high ambitions for all pupils. The report highlights a well-structured curriculum in most subjects, a strong focus on reading, and a positive, inclusive atmosphere that supports pupil achievement and well-being.
Strengths
- Leaders have designed a "well-structured and sequenced curriculum" ensuring pupils learn key content which they remember in most subjects.
- There is a successful promotion of a "love of reading," with a focused phonics curriculum ensuring every child learns to read from the early years.
- Pupils are "happy at school" and treat each other with kindness, supported by high expectations for behaviour and effective anti-bullying measures.
- Teachers are "well trained" and use effective methods, such as models in mathematics, to help all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, access learning.
- Pupils’ wider development is nurtured through varied experiences, such as enterprise week and performing arts, which impact positively on their life chances.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of foundation subjects, work to refine the curriculum is not yet complete, meaning pupils do not achieve as well as they could across all areas.
- Leaders need to ensure that the curriculum in all subjects supports pupils to remember key content over time by providing teachers with precise content sequences.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "culture of vigilance" evident within the school and all staff understanding their role in keeping children safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 64% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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