Buckland Newton Church of England Primary School
Dorchester, DT2 7BY · Dorset · primary school
35th 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 the 4,306 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.3/10 among them, against 5.9/10 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 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| Ofsted | 9 | 35% | 0.32 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Get to know the school
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%. Only 6.0% reached the higher standard. Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2026. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.3 out of 10 among them, against 5.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom. Pupils participate in football and the Sing Up music programme, with trips to Leeson House. A breakfast club is available, but there is no after-school club.
Getting in. The school has 109 pupils in a capacity of 105, meaning it is over capacity by 4. Consequently, places are competitive.
Worth asking on a visit. How does the school manage the daily transition for children arriving via the breakfast club? What specific support is offered to pupils who do not reach the expected standard in maths? How does the school maintain its Good rating while operating over its stated capacity?
Written by AI from this school's published results, inspection record and its own website — not by Ofsted, the school, or SchoolsGPT staff. Every figure above comes from the sources on this page. Check anything that matters with the school.
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.
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