Dunmow St Mary's Primary School
Dunmow, CM6 1EB · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
239th of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 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 3,839 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.8/10 among them, against 4.3/10 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) 2024/25 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 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.
Dunmow St Mary's Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 8.0%, against a national median of 7%. 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 3.8 out of 10 among them, against 4.3 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 459 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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
Since the inspection was in 2023, what changes have been made to the curriculum since then? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about Dunmow St Mary's Primary School
Overview
Dunmow St Mary’s Primary School is rated as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories. The report describes a school where pupils are “happy and safe,” benefiting from high expectations for behaviour and a curriculum that generally supports strong achievement. Leaders have fostered an inclusive culture where pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) succeed alongside their peers.
Strengths
- Pupils are “confident and fluent readers” due to a high-quality reading curriculum and effective phonics support.
- Behaviour is typically “disruption free,” with pupils interacting with kindness and bullying being rare.
- The school offers a “wide range of clubs and competitions” and trips that complement learning and develop responsibility.
- Staff are trained to accurately identify SEND needs, ensuring these pupils access the same curriculum and “achieve well.”
- Governors actively check school performance, and staff appreciate support in managing their workload.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must identify key knowledge and vocabulary in a few curriculum areas where it is not currently defined in “precise enough detail.”
- Staff require training to design activities that focus on essential knowledge rather than just the “experience or activity,” ensuring pupils deepen their understanding over time.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with a culture where everyone understands it is their responsibility and staff are quick to identify and report risks.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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