Loders CofE Primary Academy
Bridport, DT6 3SA · Dorset · primary school
Check the area around this school
38th 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 4,224 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2/10 among them, against 3.4/10 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 | 40% | 0.76 |
| 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.
Loders CofE Primary Academy 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, 8.0% achieved this, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2024. 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 3.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in swimming and inter-school sports events, musical performances, art exhibitions, and instrument lessons. Trips include Forest School, coach journeys, beach and island visits, wildlife encounters, museum and city excursions.
Getting in
The published school roll is 72 pupils against a stated capacity of 84. 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 close the gap between the 50.0% expected standard and the national median? What specific strategies are used to raise the 8.0% higher standard attainment? How does the curriculum balance academic rigour with the extensive outdoor trips?
What Ofsted said about Loders CofE Primary Academy
Overview
Loders CofE Primary Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school promotes a ‘love for learning’ and fosters ‘warm and nurturing relationships’ that ensure pupils are ‘happy and safe’. It is described as a community where staff work as a team to meet individual needs, resulting in high expectations and strong pupil engagement.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate ‘impressive’ behaviour, showing ‘high levels of respect and kindness’ and positive attitudes towards learning.
- The curriculum is ‘well designed’ and has been strengthened to identify key knowledge, with effective adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Pupils achieve well in core subjects and benefit from rich developmental experiences, including residential trips and clubs that build resilience and leadership skills.
- The school proactively supports positive mental health and maintains strong, appreciative relationships with parents and carers.
Areas to improve
- The school must establish ‘rigorous systems to assess how well pupils remember the knowledge they have been taught’ in some wider curriculum subjects.
- Assessment needs to be used effectively across all subjects to ensure pupils’ recall of prior learning is secure and to address gaps in knowledge.
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 | 43% |
| 2023/24 | 33% |
| 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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