Dorney School
Maidenhead, SL6 0DY · Buckinghamshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
124th of 142 primary schools in Buckinghamshire we can score, 182 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 4,013 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2/10 among them, against 3.1/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 62% | 1.17 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 38% | 1.95 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dorney School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% 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%, matching the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2 out of 10 among them, against 3.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Drama After School Club, Little Tanks Drama Club, Art After School Club, and Enrise Dance After School Club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 158 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 to bridge the gap between the current 50.0% attainment and the national median of 64%? What specific strategies are used to raise the 7.0% higher standard rate?
What Ofsted said about Dorney School
Overview
Dorney School is described as a "friendly and nurturing" environment where pupils feel safe, happy, and well cared for. The inspection highlights a broad curriculum enriched by outdoor learning and community activities, with staff demonstrating strong subject knowledge and high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from "high-quality pastoral care" and form positive relationships with staff, resulting in polite and courteous behaviour.
- The curriculum is "ambitious" and "carefully designed," with teachers using local resources and trips to make learning memorable.
- The school has established a "love of reading," with a logical phonics programme and diverse texts that engage pupils.
- Staff are "dedicated" and proactive in supporting pupils with special educational needs, helping them learn from mistakes.
- Pupils develop strong personal skills through leadership roles, caring for animals, and engaging in intergenerational activities.
Areas to improve
- Some classroom activities are not "sharply focused" on curriculum aims, meaning pupils do not always learn with the depth or speed they could.
- Expectations for writing and the application of subject-specific vocabulary are inconsistent across different subjects, preventing pupils from consistently producing work of the high quality they are capable of.
- On occasion, pupils do not fully appreciate difference or apply the school’s values, leading to relationships that are not as "positive and inclusive" as they could be.
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 | 74% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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