Gillingham Primary School
Gillingham, SP8 4QR · Dorset · primary school
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61st 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 3.5/10 against 2,762 of them, against 3.5/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 40% | 0.76 |
| Ofsted | 6 | 35% | 0.19 |
| 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.
Gillingham Primary 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%. For the higher standard, 9.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (3.5 out of 10 either way). The school was inspected in January 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils attend music lessons, with both a breakfast club and an after-school club available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 233 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
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the new inspection framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Gillingham Primary School
Overview
Gillingham Primary School is described as a "happy, welcoming and nurturing school" with a strong culture of respect and positive relationships. While safeguarding standards are met and attendance is close to the national average, the report identifies that the academic curriculum and teaching quality require significant improvement to ensure all pupils, particularly disadvantaged students and those with special educational needs, achieve as well as they could.
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility."
- Attendance is a high priority, supported by a "caring approach" including breakfast clubs and 'soft start' provisions.
- Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes, with a "culture of respect" and clear understanding of reporting concerns.
- The early years curriculum fosters independence, curiosity, and strong foundational skills in reading and mathematics.
- Personal development is supported through diverse initiatives, including clubs, leadership roles, and topics promoting inclusion and safety.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff fully understand barriers for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged children to support their success.
- Teachers need to embed consistent checks on pupils’ learning to identify and address misconceptions, ensuring all groups achieve well across the curriculum.
- Pupils require routine development of writing skills, specifically fluent handwriting, sentence structure, and letter formation, to prepare for secondary education.
Safeguarding
The report states that "safeguarding standards are met," noting that leaders have established an open culture where concerns are actively identified, acted upon, and managed, ensuring pupils feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 39% |
| 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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