Bessacarr Primary
Doncaster, DN4 7DT · Doncaster · primary school
Check the area around this school
17th of 88 primary schools in Doncaster we can score, 98 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 the 2,280 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.9/10 among them, against 7.5/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bessacarr Primary overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 11.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.9 out of 10 among them, against 7.5 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 462 pupils against a stated capacity of 472. 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 who are not reaching the higher standard in maths? What specific strategies are used to maintain the Good Ofsted rating?
What Ofsted said about Bessacarr Primary
Overview
Bessacarr Primary is described as a school with a "warm, welcoming ethos" where pupils demonstrate a "living understanding" of core values such as collaboration and resilience. Parents are "overwhelmingly positive" about the academic offer and pastoral care, noting that the school places "pastoral care and academic progress at the heart of its ethos." The report highlights strong relationships between staff and pupils, with behaviour described as "calm and orderly."
Strengths
- Early reading teaching is "strong," supported by a "comprehensive phonics and reading programme" delivered with "skilful precision."
- The mathematics curriculum is "ambitious for all pupils," including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with teachers setting work to "meet their learning needs accurately."
- Pupils are well-prepared for life in modern Britain, learning to treat people with "protected characteristics fairly" and discussing differences in a "mature way."
- Staff feel "well supported" and value the opportunities to develop in their roles, contributing to a school with a real "family feel."
- Older pupils thrive in roles as "reading ambassadors," supporting younger children and inspiring them to read.
Areas to improve
- Some subject leaders have not considered the early years curriculum as a starting point, preventing learning from building "systematically over time in all subjects."
- The curriculum design in some areas of the early years needs refinement, as the "precise knowledge that adults want children to learn is not clearly identified."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with staff receiving regular training and pupils knowing they can speak to a "trusted adult" if they have worries.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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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