Dunbury Church of England Academy
Winterborne Whitechurch, DT11 0AW · Dorset · primary school
Check the area around this school
43rd 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 4,279 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.9/10 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 | 45.0 · 13 | 40% | 0.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dunbury Church of England Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 9.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.9 out of 10 among them, against 3.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Chess Club, Football, and Dodgeball, while sports include Swimming, Archery, and Axe-throwing. The school offers Theatre and organises trips to Corfe Castle.
Getting in
The published school roll is 131 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 45.0% expected standard and the national median of 64%? What specific strategies are used to maintain the Good Ofsted rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Dunbury Church of England Academy
Overview
Dunbury Church of England Academy continues to be a good school, offering a "friendly, welcoming" environment where pupils are "safe and happy." The report highlights an "ambitious" curriculum and strong staff support, noting that pupils behave with "courage, friendship, respect and trust."
Strengths
- The curriculum is "ambitious" with knowledge carefully sequenced to enable good progress, particularly in mixed-age classes.
- Leaders have "prioritised reading," ensuring children receive "rapid, precise help" so they do not fall behind in phonics and fluency.
- Teachers possess "very strong subject knowledge" and adapt learning effectively so pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities complete the same tasks as peers.
- The school fosters a strong Christian ethos, developing pupils’ character and encouraging them to be "active citizens" who take responsibility for themselves and others.
- Staff feel "well supported by leaders" and appreciate efforts to "minimise their workloads."
Areas to improve
- Teachers’ checks on learning do not always identify errors and misunderstandings quickly enough, allowing inaccuracies to persist.
- The range of clubs and extra-curricular activities does not yet provide opportunities for all pupils to develop their interests and talents.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders acting promptly on concerns and ensuring all pupils have a trusted adult.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 48% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 45% |
| 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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