Dorchester St Birinus Church of England School
Wallingford, OX10 7HR · Oxfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
212nd of 230 primary schools in Oxfordshire we can score, 244 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 3,159 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.2/10 among them, against 0.8/10 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 | 38.0 · 7 | 40% | 0.27 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dorchester St Birinus Church of England School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 38.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.2 out of 10 among them, against 0.8 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access guitar lessons, drumming workshops, and various singing events including a Festival of Voices. They also attend trips to the Royal Festival Hall. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 76 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 below the expected standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in writing? How does the curriculum prepare children for the transition to secondary school?
What Ofsted said about Dorchester St Birinus Church of England School
Overview
This ungraded inspection found that "aspects of the school’s work may not be as strong as at the time of the previous inspection," triggering a future graded inspection. While pupils thrive in a "nurturing" environment with strong behaviour and attendance, academic outcomes are inconsistent, with too many pupils lacking "secure knowledge and skills" by the end of key stage 2.
Strengths
- Pupils are "polite and respectful," benefiting from "warm relationships with staff" who know every child well.
- The provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a strength, with effective support strategies ensuring full inclusion.
- Phonics teaching is precise, helping children learn to read fluently, and reading is central to the curriculum.
- Attendance and behaviour have improved markedly, with pupils taking pride in being in "the struggle zone."
- Governors are described as "knowledgeable and passionate," working determinedly with leaders to improve the school.
Areas to improve
- The curriculum lacks "consistent rigour" in some subjects, meaning it is not always clear what essential knowledge pupils need to learn.
- Tasks do not consistently reinforce precise knowledge, and staff do not always check for understanding effectively, allowing misconceptions to persist.
- Outcomes in mathematics are below national averages, with pupils’ knowledge being "less secure."
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 | 31% |
| 2024/25 | 38% |
| 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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