Beechcroft St Paul's CofE Primary School
Weymouth, DT4 0LQ · Dorset · primary school
Check the area around this school
47th 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 — 6.7/10 against 1,087 of them, against 5.1/10 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 | 61.0 · 41 | 40% | 1.65 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Beechcroft St Paul's CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 61.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 10.0% achieved this, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in windsurfing, sailing, climbing, archery, and swimming, with trips to Monkey World and Corfe Castle.
Getting in
The published school roll is 189 pupils against a stated capacity of 218. 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
How does the school support pupils to reach the higher standard in maths? What specific actions are being taken to address the "Requires improvement" rating? How are the outdoor sports facilities accessed by all pupils?
What Ofsted said about Beechcroft St Paul's CofE Primary School
Overview
The report states that the school is "determined for all pupils to succeed" and that recent changes are "beginning to make a difference," though it is "still early days." While staff build "positive relationships" and personal development is a strength, the curriculum does not yet support pupils to "build their knowledge well enough across all subjects." Consequently, several key areas require improvement to ensure consistent progress.
Strengths
- Pupils’ personal development is praised, with a "range of opportunities to enrich pupils’ experiences" including clubs, trips, and sporting competitions.
- Staff take time to build "positive relationships with pupils," fostering a "nurturing and inclusive environment."
- The school promotes a "culture of reading" and has identified "essential knowledge" with precision in subjects like art.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities benefit from "early identification" and adapted learning.
- Staff feel "well supported by leaders" and value the training provided.
Areas to improve
- Some pupils at the early stages of learning to read are not supported well enough to "grasp the basics," with gaps in phonic knowledge not addressed quickly enough.
- Concerns regarding behaviour, including bullying, are not always resolved swiftly, leaving some pupils’ concerns persisting for too long.
- Children in the early years do not develop their learning well enough across all areas of the curriculum, leaving them less well prepared for key stage 1.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 47% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 61% |
| 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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