Charlton Horethorne Church of England Primary School
Sherborne, DT9 4NL · Somerset · primary school
Check the area around this school
108th of 156 primary schools in Somerset we can score, 219 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 3,697 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.9/10 among them, against 2.3/10 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) 2023/24 | 25.0 · 2 | 40% | 0.07 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2023/24 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Charlton Horethorne Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2023/24, 25.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 63%. 8.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 6%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.9 out of 10 among them, against 2.3 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 49 pupils against a stated capacity of 57. 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 bridge the gap between the current 25.0% expected standard and the national median of 63%? What specific strategies are in place to improve the 0.9 out of 10 score in the similar-intake comparison? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing these academic metrics?
What Ofsted said about Charlton Horethorne Church of England Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where “pupils and staff develop warm, caring relationships built on trust and respect,” creating an environment parents describe as ‘one big family’. Leaders have crafted a “clearly sequenced and coherent curriculum” that supports strong reading development and high attendance. While the overall effectiveness is rated Good, the report highlights specific inconsistencies in subject leadership and pupils’ understanding of British values.
Strengths
- Staff use “secure phonic knowledge” to teach reading consistently, with “keep-up sessions” effectively targeting gaps in pupils’ understanding.
- The curriculum is well-structured, with “Fab Five” class books carefully chosen to “increase pupils’ vocabulary and inspire their writing.”
- Pupils feel safe and take pride in whole-school projects, such as the “memorial sensory garden” and a winning internet safety film.
- There is a “calm and orderly environment” supported by clear routines, with appropriate support for pupils with special educational needs.
- Leaders prioritise staff well-being, with staff appreciating “consideration and support to manage their workload.”
Areas to improve
- Subject leaders in some areas lack the expertise to ensure staff deliver the curriculum well; leaders must “develop the role and expertise of subject leaders.”
- Pupils do not have a “secure understanding of life in modern Britain” or how school values link to fundamental British values.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with accurate recruitment checks, appropriate staff training, and secure online safety knowledge for pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 25% |
| England | 63% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,190 state schools in England we hold a 2023/24 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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