Bovington Academy
Wareham, BH20 6LE · Dorset · primary school
Check the area around this school
15th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 6.5/10 against 3,597 of them, against 6.1/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bovington Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (6.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 180 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 do not reach the expected standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for a child in the after-school period? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating in the coming years?
What Ofsted said about Bovington Academy
Overview
Bovington Academy is described as a place where pupils "thrive" and feel part of a supportive community, characterised by "exemplary behaviour" and "exceptional pastoral care." The school has "improved significantly" under its current leadership, fostering a culture that celebrates its unique military family community and promotes professional development.
Strengths
- Pupils display "exemplary behaviour," are "happy and curious," and show high levels of respect and inclusion for one another.
- The curriculum is "ambitious," with a "sharp focus on learning vocabulary" and effective use of "precise questioning" to deepen understanding.
- Reading is "celebrated and valued," with children learning to read early through high-quality texts matched to their phonics knowledge.
- "Pastoral care is exceptional," ensuring pupils feel safe, supported, and well-prepared for life in modern Britain.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "accurately identified and supported" to access the same curriculum as their peers.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure curriculum planning in some subjects is more precise, as activities do not always ensure pupils achieve intended outcomes or demonstrate progress over time.
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 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of BH20 6LE, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT